Functionalist theories of crime Flashcards
What did Durkheim suggests that society’s share
Durkheim suggests that every society shares a set of core values, which he called the collective conscience (core shared values of society).
What does Durkheim suggest behaviour is seen as when it differs from the collective conscience
Deviant acts
What does Durkheim suggest is a positive of crime
It clarifies the boundaries of the collective conscience
What are the three positive functions of crime
- Reaffirming boundaries
- Changing the law
- Social solidarity
What are the circumstances that can weaken the collective conscience
Periods of great stress or social change
What is Davis’ theory
Crime can act as a safety valve to stop worse deviance
What does Merton state America attaches great value to
the socially approved goal of success
What are socially approved means
There are socially approved means of achieving success such as gaining skills and qualifications.
What is the American dream based off of
Meritocracy
What is anomie to Merton
When people reject the socially approved goals of society (e.g. goal of success) and/or the socially approved means of achieving these goals (e.g. hard work, qualifications).
What is Merton’s strain theory
That the pressure to achieve the socially approved goals means people resort to crime to achieve them
Who feels the strain to anomie strongest
the strain to anomie is most strongly felt by those at the bottom of the class structure
What are the 5 responses to the strain for anomie
Conformity - accept the socially approved goals and means e.g. Lottery player
Innovation - accept the socially approved goals but reject the socially approved means e.g. cheating in exams
Ritualism - Reject the socially approved goals but accept the socially approved means - a teacher who has lost interest in the job
Retreatism - Reject both the socially approved goals and the means e.g. A heroin addict
Rebellion - replace both the goals and the means e.g. A terrorrist
