sociological theories Flashcards
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES
Social structures, interactionism, and realism
Functionalist Approach: Positive Functions
Durkheim argues crime is an inevitable, desirable and functional part of society.
Define the four functions of crime
Boundary Maintenance: Facilitates teaching of right and wrong behaviour if policed.
Social change: Allows new ideas to develop and enable society to change.
Safety valve: Deviance allows for society to ‘let off steam’ preventing worse behaviour.
Social Solidarity: Crime brings together upright consciousness through shared outrage.
Merton’s Strain Theory
The root cause of crime lies in the unequal structure of society, some people can achieve society’s goal legitimately. Some people have to strain to reach this goal, like living a life of crime.
Define the four deviant ways
Innovation: Innovators accept the goal but find illegal ways of achieving it. Usually in the lower classes.
Ritualism: Ritualists give up striving for success.
Retreatism: Retreatists are dropouts who reject both goals.
Rebellion: Rebels reject the existing goals and means, replacing them with with new ones with the aim of changing society.
INTERACTIONISM
Interactionists see our interactions with one another as based on meanings or labels.
Labelling Theory
Certain behaviours will be labelled as deviant or criminal by the police and courts. In time, those who assume those behaviours will class themselves as deviant, starting to act in a way that fits the label.
Marxist Theory - Social Structure
Sees crime as a tool used by the ruling class to maintain social control over the working class.
RIGHT REALISM
Right Realism believes individuals make a rational choice to commit crime, and emphasises tough control measures to reduce crime .
Inadequate Socialisation
Views crime from the standpoint of conservatism, Murray attributes crime to failing social bonds, where boys in a single-parent household do not have the role models to learn good behaviour from.
Broken Windows Theory
Suggests crime will flourish in areas which seem uncared for and when it appears that social control is weak.
Rational Choice Theory
Clarke argues the decision to commit a crime is a choice based on a rational calculation of the likely consequence of being caught.
LEFT REALISM
Left realists propose that social order will come from a fairer, more equal society.
Relative Deprivation
Deprivation alone cannot crime crime; it depends on how an individual compare themselves to others.
Marginalisation
Groups ‘on the edge of society’ do not feel they are included or have their interests represented.
