Functionalists Flashcards
Functionalists argue
that society as a stable system that is based on shared values and crime and deviance disrupt this balance, nevertheless they recognise that crime in society is both inevitable and even to some extent functional.
Durkheim
Argued that there are four key characteristics of society they see it as
inevitable- where crime will always exist never be fully eliminated.
Universal- Its present in every society.
Relative- it changes over time whats considered a crime may not be in years to come e.g. the smoking ban.
Functional- Crime has a purpose its beneficial for society e.g. employment.
Reinforces Norms and Values
When someone is punished for a crimes it reinforces the norms and values as it reminds people whats acceptable and whats not. Some deviant behaviour is needed as it enables society to progress. If crime is too high/low then crime moves from functional to dysfunctional. Too high threatens social order too low no change.
Acts as a warning device
Warns of the problems in the systems a result action an be taken to address the problems.
Progress society
Changing norms and values in place of new better ones such as the suffragette movement.
Employment
The CJS offer employment to various people such as police and judges.
Safety Valves
Release of anger and tension, means the release of these problems means greater problems don’t exist such as davis and married men getting prostitutes.
Creates social cohesion
Bound together in face of tragedy brings together society this was saw in the 2011 riots.
Erikson
Questions the effectiveness of durkhiem’s work, he developed his work using the marxist perspective too. He found that the law also acts in the interest of the powerful. Even the layout of a courtroom shows the clear hierarchy.
Merton
Argues that many crimes exist because people in society shares the same american dream, if people can’t achieve this then a strain exists between the goals and the ability to achieve it. Know as strain theory e.g. conformity is mostly everyone who accept the goals and try to achieve them legitimate.
Innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion.
Hirshi
Took a different view “why some people don’t commit” rather than do. He looked at thinks that keep people in check. He found that society is held together by bonds based on social cohesion and criminal acts only occur when the individuals bond is weakened. CABI
Polices
Hirshi’s theory has an impact on policy as there was an increase in public shaming.
