functionalistic theories- socialogical Flashcards
Durkheim and Merton
Functionalism=
the theory that all aspects of a society serve a function and are necessary for the survival of that society
1st functionalistic theory
Durkheim theory-
What did he believe=
. society is based on shared norms, values and beliefs about right or wrong.
. This creates social solidarity. Where all members within society feel they belong to the same community.
. Most of the time, we conform to society’s hidden rules without deviating.
however,what can happen ?
However, in every society there are some individuals who are inadequately socialised and more likely to break the rules.
. Durkheim calls the experience of someone feeling normless anomie- which leads to crime.
what 4 important functions does he believe crime brings ?
Crime maintains boundaries
Enables social change
Acts as a safety valve
Acts as a warning light
Crime maintains boundaries=
reactions to crime unite society against the wrongdoer. It reminds us of the boundaries between right and wrong (reaffirms shared rules).
Example= tribute concert after the Manchester bombing
enables social change=
deviance can catalyse change for good. Allowing progress in society.
Example= after 8-year-old Sarah was murdered by a previously convicted child sex offender, Sarah’s law was established. Allowing guardians to ask the police for information about any adult that was prominent in their child’s life; to see if they had a record of sexual offences.
acts as a safety valve=
a little bit of crime can allow a healthy and functional society.
Example= prostitution acts as a release for mens sexual frustration in their relationships without threatening the stability of the family unit.
Acts as a warning light=
deviance indicates that something isn’t working effectively.
Example= if there are high rates of violence in prisons, there is probably something wrong with the procedures and policies within the system.
2nd functionalistic theory
Merton’s strain theory-
What did he believe=
people value money and wealth as a life goal and most people can achieve this through legitimate means; e.g. Working hard at school.
. However, not everyone can access this. Working class people are often blocked by poverty and poor education.
. This creates strain between the goal society says you should be achieving and the lack of legitimate means to do so.
. When people are blocked from reaching societies life goals, they can react in a deviant or criminal way to get there.
. These methods are a way round the “blocks” that are preventing people reaching goals relating to wealth and success.
People who could reach these goals legitimately are known as=
conformists.
Merton identifies 4 different modes of adaption to reach these goals….
innovation
retreatism
ritualism
rebellion
inovation=
accept the goal but find illegal ways to achieve it. Known as utilitarian crimes (financial gain). Usually from the lower classes.
Retreatism=
dropouts who reject the goals and the means. Turn to illegal and criminal behaviours; such as drug abuse and vagrancy.
Ritualism=
give up striving for success plod along in a dead-end job.
Rebellion=
reject the existing goals and means, replacing them with new ones to change society. This can include political radicals and cults.
whats a subcultural theory that supports Mertons theory ?
Cohens belief=
. Cohen agrees with Merton that deviance results from the lower classes failure to achieve by legitimate means
. However, Cohen sees subcultural deviance as a group response to failure; not just an individual one.
