Functonalists On Crime And Deviance

Question 1

Functionalist views on crime

Answer 1

They believe that it is inevitable in society; poor socialisation and inequality result in the absence of norms and values being taught. They also believe that crime is positive for society as it allows boundary maintenance, and for adaptation and change.

Question 2

Durkheim on crime

Answer 2

Crime in inevitable- bad socialisation results in not everyone taught the same norms and values.
Crime is positive- boundary maintenance says crime is functional when there is a right amount.
Adaptation and change- some crime can be functional as it allows social adaptation and change.

Question 3

Merton on crime

Answer 3

Strain theory- crime is caused by the failure to achieve the goals of the American dream through legitimate means.
Conformism, innovation, ritualism, Retreatist, rebellion

Question 4

What are Mertons 5 different responses to the American dream

Answer 4

Conformism- accepting the goals and legitimate means to achieve them
Innovation- subscribe to the goals of the American dream but use illegitimate means to achieve them.
Ritualism- reject the goals but conform to means.
Retreatism- reject both goals and means.
Rebellion- replace goals and means with their own.

Question 5

Cohen on crime

Answer 5

Status frustration- focuses on w/c boys in school who fail to succeed in m/c environments, and form delinquent subcultures that go against m/c norms and values. These w/c boys try succeed in subcultures by trying to rise in hierarchy.

Question 6

Cloward + Ohlin on crime

Answer 6

Develop on Cohens status frustration by suggesting there are 3 types of subcultures: criminal provide ‘apprenticeships’ for utilitarian crime. Conflict subcultures exist in areas of high population. Disorganisation and loosely organised gangs.
Retreatist are people who fail both legitimate and illegitimate, may turn to illegal drug use.