functionalist theories of crime

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

crime was actually expected
and good for society. crime has a function
1. reaffirms boundaries
2. changing values
3. social cohesion

Question 2

crime affirms boundaries

Answer 2

behaviour is governed by by sanctions

reminder about ‘rights and wrongs’ and how
people should behave for the greater good of society

reminder where the ‘boundaries’ are and in this way,
crime reinforces value consensus and creates social solidarity

Question 3

Safety valve Cohen

Answer 3

deviance allows some to “let off steam” harmlessly
keeps society functional
-prostitution as a release
that allowed for sexual expression.
allows nuclear family to continue to function

Question 4

social cohesion durkheim

Answer 4

makes community drawn together angrily to condemn the crime

Question 5

changing values

Answer 5

society’s social order is breaking down when c/d occurs
sends message to gov/council to do something

Question 6

functionalists view

Answer 6

deviance benefits the society by helping them to function