Functionalist Perspective On Crime, Deviance, Social Order And Social Control Flashcards
What do functionalists see crime and deviance as for society? (two words to describe crime)
Functionalists see crime and deviance as inevitable and necessary for society.
What is Durkheim’s organic analogy of society?
Durkheim compares society to the human body. To highlight the way different parts of society work together to maintain stability and social order, just as the organs in a body work together to sustain life.
how does the human body being compared to society relate to interdependence?
Just as organs in a body depend on each other to function properly, the various institutions in society (e.g. family, education, religion, government) also depend on one another.
what are the two functions of crime that Durkheim came up with?
1) boundary maintenance
2) social change
what is boundary maintenance?
Boundary maintenance refers to the way that crime and deviance helps to reinforce the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
when someone violates societal norms it reminds everyone of what behaviour is acceptable, how does this strengthen social solidarity?
This strengthens social solidarity by reinforcing the shared norms and values that bind society together.
what is anomie?
anomie refers to a state of normlessness, a breakdown of social norms and values.
how does a state of normlessness (anomie) occur?
It occurs when society undergoes rapid change, causing societal norms and values to break down and become unclear. This leaves people unsure about how to behave.
what does anomie create and what does it lead to
Anomie creates a lack of regulation, leading to deviant behaviour and crime.
Crime reaffirms moral boundaries, how is that a positive function of crime?
reminds society of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. When someone commits a crime and is punished, it sends a clear message to society about the rules that are expected to follow. This unites individuals together against what is unacceptable behaviour. (this discourages further deviance and keeps society stable)
how does the 7/7 terrorist attack relate to Durkheim’s concept of crime reaffirming moral boundaries?
The attack shocked the public and caused widespread frustration directed to those that violated the moral standards. This event led to a collective response where society unitedly disapproved of the act. This reinforced social solidarity since people came together to uphold shared values against this crime.
crime acts a safety valve, how is that a positive function of crime?
This refers to some level of crime is beneficial for society because it allows individuals to release built up anger in a controlled way. prevented more harmful behavior.
what did Kingsley Davis say about crime serving as a safety valve and what example did he use?
Deviant acts can have a positive function. For example, prostitution or pornography provides sexual satisfaction for sexually frustrated individuals. According to Davis, allowing individuals to engage in this deviance, society avoids potential social disorder that could occur if the frustration is suppressed.
crime acts a warning device, how is that a positive function of crime?
This suggests that certain forms of deviance signal that something is wrong in society, it highlights areas that need attention or improvement. Crime provides clues about societal issues, allowing society to make changes to restore balance.
