Functionalist Theory

Question 1

Functionalists argue to achieve social solidarity, society has two main mechanisms:

Answer 1

Socialisation & Social Control

Question 2

The inevitability of Crime

Answer 2

Durkheim argues that crime is normal & an integral part of society, & see it as universal.

Question 3

Boundary Maintenance

Answer 3

Punishment aims to reaffirm society’s shared values and rules & reinforce social solidarity.

Question 4

Folk Devils

Answer 4

Stanley Cohen argues the importance of media in this ‘dramatisation of evil’ he views media covering crime as creating ‘folk devils’

Question 5

Adaptation and Change

Answer 5

For Durkheim, all change starts with an act of deviance.

Question 6

Safety Valve

Answer 6

Davis argues crime releases the frustration of men without threatening the monogamous nuclear family

Question 7

Warning Light

Answer 7

Albert Cohen argues crime may tell us that an institution is not functioning properly

Question 8

Strain Theory

Answer 8

Merton explains that the lack of income & education drives individuals to commit crime.

Question 9

Strain to Anomie

Answer 9

Merton argues that the pressure to deviate comes from a strain between cultural money goals’ success and the lack of legitimate opportunities, which produces frustration.

Question 10

Conformity

Answer 10

Individuals accept cultural goals and achieve them legitimately. Usually middle class

Question 11

Innovation

Answer 11

Individuals accept the goal of money but use ‘new’ legitimate means such as theft or fraud. Usually lower class who are under pressure to deviate.

Question 12

Ritualism

Answer 12

Give up to achieve their goals but internalize the legitimate means for their own sake. Usually lower-middle class.

Question 13

Retreatism

Answer 13

Individuals reject both goals and means, such as drug addicts, tramps etc

Question 14

Rebellion

Answer 14

Bring about new means and new goals.

Question 15

Evaluation of Merton

Answer 15

Marxists argue that it ignores the power of the ruling class to make & enforce new laws to criminalize poor and not the rich

Question 16

Criminal Subculture

Answer 16

Cloward & Ohlin argues this provides youth with an apprenticeship for a career in utilitarian crime, that arises in neighbourhoods with criminal culture.

Question 17

Conflict Subculture

Answer 17

This occurs in high population turnover, which results in high levels of social disorganization, and loosely organized gangs to release young people’s frustration.

Question 18

Retreatists Subculture

Answer 18

Professional gang leaders, who fail are seen as ‘double failures’ and may turn to illegal drug use.

Question 19

Institutional anomie theory

Answer 19

Messner & Rosenfield’s theory focuses on that the American Dream focuses on a money mentality in which people adapt anything goes mentality in pursuit of wealth.