Functionalists And Crime

Question 1

Explain mertons strain theory

Answer 1

Believe we have all has same socialisation process
High value placed on material wealth
Belief in meritocracy
We don’t all share same chances of success
Wanting and not succeeding creates strain
Relieved the strain by turning to crime
Socially excluded culturally included

Question 2

Mertons 5 responses to strain of trying to achieve societies goals

Answer 2

Conformity 
Innovators 
Ritualists
Retreatists 
Rebels

Question 3

Explain durkheims view that crime is inevitable and functional

Answer 3

We’re not all successfully socialised deviance will therefore always be present
Crime and deviance beneficial for society it reinforces collective consciousness and strengthens social control
Crime reaffirms boundaries through the punishment system
Creates social cohesion

Question 4

Evaluation of Merton

Answer 4

Marxists emphasise that Merton ignored the power of the ruling class to shape the legal system and how the police target w/c

Merton focuses on utilitarian crimes (motivated by money)

Question 5

Evaluation of Durkheim

Answer 5

Doesn’t say how we work out what a beneficial amount of crime is

Left realists point out that the problems crime causes for victims are ignored by Durkheim