Functionalist / Strain Theories Flashcards
Durkheim
Crime is normal […] part of a healthy society
Durkheims 2 reasons for crime
. not everyone equally socialised
. diversity of values and lifestyles
Cohen
Deviance is warning an institution isn’t working
Eriksen
If deviance preforms positive social function - society organised to promote deviance
^ true function of agencies of social control
Durkheim
(Positive Functions)
- Boundary Maintenance
- Adaptation and change
^ must be able to challenge some norms
Cohen
(Boundary Maintenance/media)
Media coverage creates folk devils
Merton
(Strain Theory)
Deviant behaviour when people are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
- structural factors
- cultural factors
Merton
(American Dream)
Pressure increased as American culture puts emphasis on achieving success at any price apart from illegitimate means
Merton
(Deviant adaptations to strain)
5 types of individuals:
- Conformity
- Innovation
- Ritualism
- Retreatism
- Rebellion
A.K Cohen
(Status Frustration)
WC have problem adjusting to low status given by mainstream society
^ form delinquent subculture with others in same position
Cohen
(Alternative Status Hierarchy)
Can create own illegitimate opportunity status - win status from peers
Cloward and Ohlin
Recognise unequal access to illegitimate opportunity structures
- criminal subculture
- conflict subculture
- realist subculture
Miller
WC have own independent subculture with own values - doesn’t value success so members aren’t frustrated by failure