sociological theories - durkheim’s functionalism

Question 1

functionalists

Answer 1

• functionalists believe that society is based on mutual agreement and unit
• society is fair and MERITOCRATIC
• durkheim highlights the fact that within class based society, some people are able to achieve more than others
• crime will always occur because meritocracy creates differences and inequality between individuals

Question 2

what is MERITOCRACY?

Answer 2

everyone has the possibility to succeed and be SOCIALLY MOBILE - everyone wants to have high LIFE CHANCES

Question 3

what is ROLE ALLOCATION?

Answer 3

• within a class-based society, some people can achieve more than others
• this is useful as all of society’s roles get filled up

Question 4

how is crime functional for society?

Answer 4

• reinforces value consensus and social solidarity
• acts as a safety valve
• acts as a warning device - when crime occurs, it sends a message that society’s social order is breaking down which prompts governments to do something about crime
• the creation of jobs - crime creates employment which is useful for individuals, families, and society as a whole

Question 5

durkheim and crime

Answer 5

• crime is an integral part of healthy societies
• individuals will be exposed to different influences - not everyone believes in the shared norms and values
• all societies need to progress, and all social change begins with some kind of deviance
• durkheim believes that very high levels of crime indicates something is wrong with society
• society needs both crime and punishments to define societies and norms and set moral boundaries
• functionalism allows society to progress and create new laws based on crimes that are committed e.g. racist acts led to the introduction of hate crime laws

Question 6

BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE

Answer 6

reaffirms what is right and wrong by making an example of those who break the law

Question 7

SOCIAL CHANGE

Answer 7

for society to progress, existing norms and values must be challenged

Question 8

SOCIAL COHESION

Answer 8

after a horrific crime, society pulls together as a community

Question 9

STRENGTHS of functionalism

Answer 9

• durkheim was the first to recognise that crime can have positive functions for society
• e.g. reinforcing boundaries, social cohesion, and social changes

Question 10

WEAKNESSES of functionalism

Answer 10

• functionalism doesnt look at what the causes of crime are - only looks at how it is functional and healthy for societies
• only looks at how crime is functional for society and for criminals but doesnt look at how it has significant dysfunctions for victims
• functionalism suggests crime strengths social solidarity but overlooks how it can also isolate people e.g. female/elderly may fear leaving their homes due to fear of crime
• functionalists argue that a certain amount of crime is healthy for society but doesnt indicate how much is the right amount