Functionalist view of crime and deviance Flashcards
What is the primary focus of the Functionalist view of crime?
The primary focus is on how crime and deviance contribute to the stability and functioning of society.
True or False: Functionalists believe that all crime is harmful to society.
False
According to Functionalists, what positive function can crime serve?
Crime can promote social change and reinforce social norms.
Fill in the blank: According to Functionalism, crime can lead to __________ in society.
social cohesion
What term describes the process by which society reacts to crime and reinforces norms?
social control
Which Functionalist sociologist is known for his work on the functions of deviance?
Emile Durkheim
True or False: Functionalists view deviance as entirely negative.
False
What concept refers to the idea that a certain amount of crime is necessary for a healthy society?
anomie
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a function of crime according to Functionalism? A) Reinforcing norms B) Promoting social change C) Causing societal breakdown D) Clarifying moral boundaries
C) Causing societal breakdown
What does Durkheim mean by ‘collective conscience’?
The set of shared beliefs, values, and norms that bind a society together.
Fill in the blank: Functionalists argue that deviance is a natural part of __________.
society
What is the term for the social mechanisms that regulate individual behavior in society?
social control mechanisms
True or False: Functionalism suggests that some deviance can help clarify moral boundaries.
True
What is one criticism of the Functionalist view of crime?
It tends to overlook the ways in which crime can be a result of social inequality.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key premise of Functionalism regarding crime? A) Crime is always harmful B) Crime can serve a purpose in society C) Crime is solely a result of individual pathology D) Crime is a symptom of moral decay
B) Crime can serve a purpose in society
What role does ‘punishment’ play in the Functionalist perspective of crime?
Punishment serves to reaffirm societal norms and deter future deviance.
Fill in the blank: Functionalist theorists argue that deviance is essential for __________ in society.
social order
What is the term used to describe the breakdown of social norms, which can lead to increased deviance?
anomie
True or False: Functionalists believe that all forms of deviance are equally beneficial to society.
False
What is the significance of ‘moral boundaries’ in the Functionalist view?
Moral boundaries help define acceptable behavior and reinforce social cohesion.
