Functionalist Perspective on Crime Flashcards

1
Q

Functionalist theory

A

-Based on the idea society is structured around a shared set of norms, goals and values which create value concensus, social cohesion where society functions effectively.

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2
Q

Normative definition of crime

A

Crime and deviance is any action which challenges societies norms and values

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3
Q

Durkheim on crime

A

Crime is inevitable as some people will always reject social order, it is a threat to social order but also plays functions which maintain and benefit society

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4
Q

Beneficial functions of crime-collective values

A

Crime strengthens collective values by uniting people in shared condemnation of people who go against social order-reaffirms values and strengthens commitment to them-sets boundaries-reduces conflict.

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5
Q

Benefits of crime-social change

A

Criminal and deviant actions can be used to create beneficial social change, for example, the suffragettes used crime and deviance to get the vote for women.

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6
Q

Benefits of crime-acts as a safety valve

A

Crime and deviance, e.g at protests, lets people express their anger in a way that doesnt genuinely challenge the social order ensuring society functions effectively

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7
Q

Benefits of crime-warning device

A

Crime and deviance show potential flaws and problems in society, e.g a high drug use, theft rate etc suggests social problems so they can be solved and dont escalate- maintains social order.

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8
Q

Criticisms of Durkheims View-Solutions

A

-Provides no solutions for crimes-not useful-few practical applications-Argued by realist sociologists

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9
Q

Criticisms of durkheims view- Optimism

A

-Too optimistic-overlooks crime is detrimental to people and society most of the time-majority of crime doesnt have net beneficial functions-overlooks harms of crime

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10
Q

Davies prostitution

A

He argues prositution is a beneficial safety valve-allows sexual expression without threatening the family unit.

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11
Q

Durkheim criticism-Oudated

A

Wrote his theories in the 1900s when crime was less of a social problem-crime rates are significantly higher due to increased population etc-cant generalise to modern day crime.

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12
Q

Merton strain theory

A

-People commit crime as they feel blocked from the goals and values promoted by the establishment such as financial sucess etc-the american dream-creates strain and anomie-people respond by commiting crime

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13
Q

Criticisms of mertons strain theory-Non economic crime

A

Cohen argues strain theory can only explain crime with a purpose or economic motive-crimes like vandalism and ASB arent explained-limited

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14
Q

Criticisms of strain theory-white collar crime

A

-Doesnt explain crime committed by people who dont experience strain like the wealthy elite and large corporations-lacks validity

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15
Q

Criticisms of strain theory-wider structural factors

A

Marxists argue it overlooks how crime is inevitable and the existence of strain is because of capitalism-debated by other explanations.

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16
Q

Criticisms of strain theory-subcultural factors

A

Albert Cohen argues it overlooks how status fustration leads to alternative subcultures with alternative values-looks at interpersonal factors to explain useless crime.