sociological - social structure Flashcards
what does the functionalist theory see society as
a stable structure based on shared norms, values, and beliefs about right and wrong
what does functionalism produce
social solidarity/integration as people belong to the same harmonious unit
why is crime inevitable according to Durkheim
not every member of society is committed to the collective sentiments or shares the same beliefs and values
what does Durkheims functionalism theory argue about crime
that it serves as a key function in society
what is boundary maintenance in functionalism
crime strengthens social cohesion and the willingness of members of society to cooperate with one another uniting against the criminal act
how can crime create social change according to functionalism
individuals challenge ideas of crime and deviance
what causes crime according to merlons strain theory
unequal structure of society
how do blocked opportunities create strain
due to poverty and inadequate schools create ‘strain’ between the goal of money success and the lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve it
what is an innovator in the strain theory
accept the goal but find criminal means of achieving it, for example bank robbers
what is ritualism in the strain theory
ritualises give up striving for money success, for example ‘plodding along’ in a dead end job
what is retreats in the strain theory
retreatists reject the goal and means and ‘drop out’, for example vagrants and drug addicts
what is rebellion in the strain theory
rebels reject the goal and means and replace them with new ones, with the aim of changing society, for example alternative cultures such as hippies
what do subculture theories apply to
mertons strain theory
what is a subculture and explain how it leads to crime
where a dominant group emerges that does not conform to societies main goals, it enables its members to gain status by illegitimate means
what does the marxism theory suggest
society may influence a person to become a criminal
what does marxism argue about a capitalism society
they encourage wealth, but the unequal structure of a capitalist society shapes peoples behaviour, including criminality and how society deals with it
what does marxism hold crime as
the ruling class use it as a form of social control against the working class
explain the relationship between the bourgeoisie (upper class) and proletariat (working class)
laws are made to protect the property of the rich and laws don’t challenge the unequal distribution of wealth, yet punish those in poverty, for example vagrancy and squatter
explain how laws are created to protect the ruling classes and disadvantage the working classes
the disadvantaged social class is a primary cause of crime and criminal behaviour beings in youth
what does marxism suggest crime is largely apart of
high drop out rate, unemployment and single parent families
what is selective law enforcement
the white collar crimes of the rich are less likely too be prosecuted than working class ‘street crimes’ which means the rich stay wealthy and the working class have no means of achieving wealth other than crime
