functionalists theories of punishment

Question 1

what do functionalists say

Answer 1

-societies only exist if they hv a system of shared beliefs and values
-moral ties binding them tg
-regulates behaviour of individuals living within them
- collective conscience and those who break them are violating this

Question 2

what functions do punishments have

Answer 2

-provide an outlet for public anger and outrage
-reasserts the boundaries between right and wrong
-reaffirms and strengthens collective values
-social regulation and social control
-build social solidarity and social cohesion

Question 3

how can we evaluate functionalists

Answer 3

-punishments doesn’t always lead to people conforming to the law e.g many people continued to breach laws on homosexuality and abortion eventually the law was changed
-durkheim exaggerates the extent of what people agree of what’s right and wrong
-debates of cannabis legislations and debates over extent of abortion in UK