Funtionalism, Crime And Deviance Flashcards
What is role allication - Davis and Moore link to crime? (Functionalist)
They claim that criminals are fulfilling their role in society
Explain why funtionalists see crime as a good thing ? (boundary maintenance)
Functionalists see crime as an opportunity to refresh the consensus of society by punishment of criminals
How do funtionalists view society in terms of equality
They see society as fair and meritocratic
What were Durkhiem’s opinions on the necessity of crime?
He believed that crime is an integral part of a healthy societies
What is anomie?
Normlessness
What is atrophy?
The erosion or breakdown of societies norms and values
Why does functionalism claim that crime happens?
When people meet barriers they experience anomie , which may lead to individuals turning to crime to achieve goals , which causes atrophy
What are the 4 functions of crime? (Accourding to Durkhiem)
Reinforcing the value consensus and reducing social solidarity
Safety valve
Warning device
Creating jobs
Explain crimes function as a safety valve
Davies (1967) suggested that deviancy allowed people to let off steam in a relatively harmless way
Explain crime as a warning device
Clinard (1967) claimed that crime/deviance occuring sends a message that anomie is occuring , which prompts governments to intervene
Explain crimes function of creating jobs
Davies and Moore - role allocation theory claims that crime forms jobs in the CJS - employment is useful for everyone
Explain crimes function of reinforcing the value consensus and reducing social solidarity
Criminals are punished , which reinforces our collective belief in right and wrong , which helps us to remain united as we all believe the same thing
What does Durkheim believe is suggested by high levels of crime?
A significant dysfunction in society
What is a strength of Durkhiems thinking? (Evaulation)
We do see functionalism in practice in our day-to-day lives
(E.g Rishi Sunak claims about meritocracy)
What would be a Marxist criticism of Durkhiems thinking? (Evaulation)
Marxists would argue that the value consensus is constructed by the Bourgeoise to control the working classes
What would feminism argue about Durkhiems functions of crime?
That the safety valve function of crime may lead to the explotation of women
How does strain theory link to functionalist views of crime?
Merton claims that there is constant anomie in society , which is caused by strain , which supports Durkhiems claim that anomie is caused by not meeting cultural goals
What are institutionalised means?
Accepted ways to meet cultural goals
What are 3 criticisms of strain theory?
The fact that we dont all have a shared consensus of norms and values
It doesn’t explain non-utilitarian crime
It’s too mechanistic
What is non-ultalitarian crime?
Crime with no personal gain
(E.g vandalism)
What is utilitarian crime?
Crime with personal gain
(E.g theft)
What is a strength of Hirschi’s work?
It has been massively influencial in social policy
What are conflicts theories criticism of Hirschis work?
Conflict theories would argue that there is no value consensus
How did Albert Cohen (1971) develop strain theory?
He claimed that strain caused status frustration which means that cultures are likely to create their own status
