functionalist views of crime and deviance Flashcards
functionalist sociologist?
- Durkheim
- merton
- Cohen
- Coward & Ohlin
Durkheim - why does crime happen ?
he argues that modern societies have developed anomie (lack of clear norms) meaning that rules that govern behaviour have become weaker and less clear cut.
inevitability of crime - Durkheim?
Durkheim felt that some crime and deviance’s inevitable to society. If there was no deviance in society it would be difficult to define what a crime is, for example something like sneezing to burping could be criminalised
too much crime - Durkheim ?
however, if society allows too much crime and deviance without punishment this may result in anomie or chaos.
positive functions of crime - Durkheim?
- when crime is committed it can help reinforce norms and values and boundaries of behaviour. when people appear in courts etc.. this acts as a warning ensuring social solidarity and a collective conscience.
- Durkheim argues all change starts with an act of deviance, there must be some change to societies Normas and values by committing these deviant acts it allows society to change and progress (Martin Luther King)
safety valve?
helps people express discontent or satisfy a need safely whilst protecting society.
- Cohen uses the example of prostitution where a need can be satisfied without threatening the institution of the family.
evaluation of durkhiems ideas?
- didn’t explain why individuals commit crime
- how much and how little is crime ?
- doesn’t consider whether the law is enforced fairly
Merton’s - strain theory?
focused on the US, he argued theres is a shared value of success especially surrounding financial success: the American dream.
However, the US is very unequal and there’s a strain between goals and the socially acceptable means of achieving them. The socially acceptable channels don’t always allow individuals to achieve their goals
Merton’s strain theory (2)
merton ultimately argues that people engage in deviant behaviour when they’re unable to achieve goals by legitimate means. a strain exists between the goals and ambitions people have and their ability to achieve them. people may resort to committing crime in order to get what they want (strain to anomie)
responses to strain ?
- conformity - people follow the rules
- innovation - committed to social goals but seek alternative ways of achieving wealth and success
- ritualism - people gain satisfaction in other ways
- retreats - reject the goal and turn to alternative lifestyles
- rebellion - people amigo replace shared values with alternatives and may use violence to get there
Merton’s supporting research?
Philip bourgois - studied drug dealers in New York and discusses the ‘anguish’ of growing up poor in the richest city in the world. this create san inner city street culture in which deviant practices become the norm. dealing drugs was the way of achieving respect and success and they were highly ambitious and motivated.
criticisms of Merton’s strain theory?
- assumes the goal of financial success is universal in the US but there are many other goals
- merton doesn’t fully explain crimes committed by the rich and powerful
subcultural theories ?
criticise mertons strain theory however also builds upon it.
Cloward and Ohlin ?
working class boys experience ‘blocked opportunities to attain goals through the legitimate means so they may turn to illegitimate means to achieve their goals. However these illegitimate means may also be blocked so there are types of deviant subcultures:
Cohen claims?
claims status is the main goal for young people in society. working class boys are exposed to 2 value systems which could both lead to status:
1. mainstream
2. delinquent values
working class boys find it hard to achieve their goal of status from mainstream values and experience status frustration this leads to a alternative status hierarchy where they can win status through delinquent actions
