functionalist view on crime

Question 1

social explanations for crime and deviance (theories)

Answer 1

• norms and values are the basis of social order
• certain levels of crime are functional for society
• too much crime is dysfunctional

Question 2

DURKHIEM: four characteristics of crime + deviance

Answer 2

• inevitable: always exists
• universal: exists in all societites
• relative: varies between time, culture and place
• functional: beneficial to society

Question 3

why is crime functional?

however….

Answer 3

• through trials and punishment we are reminded of the norms and values of society
• marks out social boundaries (boundary maintenance)
• reinforces social solidarity: shocked at actions and happy with justice
• however, too much crime threatens social order
  ↑ anomie: instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values or from lack of purpose/ideals
• too little crime causes society to stagnate (adaption and change)

Question 4

DAVID KINGSLEY: crime acts as a safety valve

Answer 4

• safety valve is an outlet for behavior that is considered deviant but cannot be eradicated from society E.G. drugs at festivals
• prostitution - conflict between male sexual desires and societies need to control its members
• Cohen: acts as a warning sign - there is deficit in society
• truancy (unauthorized illegal absence) could indicate that changes are needed in education

Question 5

criticisms as to why crime is functional?

Answer 5

• what is the right amount of crime needed?
• fails to look at how crime affects social groups
• not very functional for victims
• does it create social solidarity? women often fear going out at night.

Question 6

subcultural strain theories

crime statistics

Answer 6

• working class backgrounds
• male
• 18-24 yrs
• over representation of ethnic minorities

Question 7

what are sub cultural theories?

Answer 7

• focus on how social groups (subcultures) adapt to the strain rather than individuals
• in particular: male working class delinquents

Question 8

subcultural theories

ALBERT COHEN: non-utilitarian crimes

who does this contrast with?

Answer 8

• working class crime amongst WC men related to status frustration
• this results in non-utilitarian (not for monetary gain) crime such as joy riding, vandalism, fighting
• many boys fail in school, given the status of a ‘loser’ - given little respect so create their own subculture

( - this contrasts with MERTON who focuses on utilitarian crime such as theft or fraud )

• COHEN says antisocial and criminal behavior are valued by subcultures so the boys get respect from their peers
• this provides an alternative status hierarchy