Sociological Theories - Functionalism

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

• Came up with the idea that society is made up of various institutions and that they act as organs of the body which cannot function without each other
• Also states idea of social solidarity and that that all members of society feel as though they belong to one harmonious unit because of shared social norms

Why is crime inevitable ?
- Inadequate socialisation - social groups deviate due to different values which disrupts social cohesion
- “Anomie” - shared norms become weakened which makes society less integrated

Question 2

Durkheim 4 functions

Answer 2

1. boundary maintenance - reaffirms society of social values and reinforces social solidarity
   - shows us what is right and wrong to do
2. social change - idea that society evolves by moving from simple to more complex and larger structures and that some crime and deviance is needed to develop
3. safety valve - some crime and deviance is integral in healthy societies as it expresses discontent
4. warning light - idea that parts of society which malfunction need crime to bring awareness to it and fix it