Functionalist / Strain Theories

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Crime is normal […] part of a healthy society

Question 2

Durkheims 2 reasons for crime

Answer 2

. not everyone equally socialised
. diversity of values and lifestyles

Question 3

Cohen

Answer 3

Deviance is warning an institution isn’t working

Question 4

Eriksen

Answer 4

If deviance preforms positive social function - society organised to promote deviance
^ true function of agencies of social control

Question 5

Durkheim
(Positive Functions)

Answer 5

1. Boundary Maintenance
2. Adaptation and change
   ^ must be able to challenge some norms

Question 6

Cohen
(Boundary Maintenance)

Answer 6

Media coverage creates folk devils

Question 7

Merton
(Strain Theory)

Answer 7

Deviant behaviour when people are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
- structural factors
- cultural factors

Question 8

Merton
(American Dream)

Answer 8

Pressure increased as American culture puts emphasis on achieving success at any price apart from illegitimate means

Question 9

Merton
(Deviant adaptations to strain)

Answer 9

5 types of individuals:
- Conformity
- Innovation
- Ritualism
- Retreatism
- Rebellion

Question 10

A.K Cohen
(Status Frustration)

Answer 10

WC have problem adjusting to low status given by mainstream society
^ form delinquent subculture with others in same position

Question 11

Cohen
(Alternative Status Hierarchy)

Answer 11

Can create own illegitimate opportunity status - win status from peers

Question 12

Cloward and Ohlin

Answer 12

Recognise unequal access to illegitimate opportunity structures
- criminal subculture
- conflict subculture
- realist subculture

Question 13

Miller

Answer 13

WC have own independent subculture with own values - doesn’t value success so members aren’t frustrated by failure