Functionalist, strain and subcultural theories

Question 1

Durkheim identified four variations of crime; what are they?

Answer 1

1) Boundary maintenance:
2) Adaptation and change:
3) A warning device:
4) Preventing other crimes:

Question 2

Explain boundary maintenance

Answer 2

Values can ‘waste way’ unless people are reminded of the boundaries between right and wrong behaviour. Reminds them of boundaries. Some crimes create public outrage, reinforcing social solidarity against the offender

Question 3

Explain adaptation and change

Answer 3

Acts of crime that provoke positive social change. These crimes highlight inadequacies in the social structure/laws.

Question 4

Explain preventing other crimes

Answer 4

Minor crimes act as safety valves, preventing more serious crimes

Question 5

Why does Durkheim believe that crime is functional, inevitable and normal?

Answer 5

• It is functional normal and necessary aspect of social life. “Crime is an integral part of all healthy societies.”
• Not everyone shares the same collective sentiments

Question 6

List the 5 criticism of functionalists approach to crime:

Answer 6

• Theory offers no way of knowing the right amount of crime
• It ignores the effects it has on individuals and groups in society
• Doesn’t always promote solidarity. It may lead to people becoming more isolated by fear of crimes/attacks
• Doesn’t explain differences between certain groups commit crime
• Marxists believe he underestimates the level of conflict and inequality in modern society