SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIMINALITY : FUNCTIONALISM Flashcards
What theory was developed from functionalist views
Merton - Strain theory
How do functionalists view social structure
Functionalists, like Durkheim, see society as a stable social structure based on shared norms, values and beliefs about right and wrong. This VALUE CONSENSUS binds people together and creates social solidarity where members of society feel they belong to the same harmonious unit.
How do functionalists explain the causes of criminality
- Crime is inevitable because some people have been inadequately socialised and are likely to deviate from the norms and laws.
- Society contains subcultural groups who have different norms and values to the majority. As a result, shared rules of behaviour become less clear. Durkheim calls this ANOMIE (i.e. normless), which occurs when shared norms become weakened, e.g. London riots (2011)
- Argue crime can bring positive benefits to society. Crime exists because it has a ‘function’ that benefits society.
What are the functions of crime (Learn 3)
BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE: Crime produces a reaction from society, uniting people in condemnation of wrongdoers which reinforces their commitment to society.
SAFETY VALVE: Crimes prevent worse crime and therefore benefit society, e.g. prostitution prevents worse crime like rape / child abuse.
WARNING SIGN: Can warn people that something in society isn’t functioning properly and requires political intervention, e.g. education systems or families.
ADAPTION TO CHANGE: All social change starts with deviance, so by committing crimes, criminals are testing whether the law is in step with society. If it isn’t, it can change.
REAFFIRMS THE VALUE OF BEING LAW ABIDING: Through the court system and the media, the public shame discourages others from committing crime as they are reminded of their values of following the law.
EXPRESS ITS OFFENCE: Punishing offenders allows society to express its offence against the wrongdoer and helps the offender to repair the damage they have dealt to society.
One strength of the functionalist theory: Durkheim sees crime as positive
Durkheim was the first person to recognise crime can have positive features for society
One strength of the functionalist theory: Changes in legislation
Crime can be functional for society as when criminals test the boundaries of society, laws can change based on the public’s reaction.
One weakness of the functionalist theory: effects on victims
Durkheim’s views don’t take into account that crime isn’t functional for victims.
What is strain theory
Goals are what we socialise to achieve. Americans socialise to achieve the ‘American dream’. The means of achieving these goals are structures society is supposed to follow. If people make the most of opportunities given in society (education and employment) then they can enjoy a high standard of living.
However, not everyone has an equal chance of achieving the American dream because American society is very unequal. Merton argues that opportunities for working class people are often blocked because of poverty and inadequate schools. Hence ‘strain’ between the goals and means of achieving this American dream.
Merton says people adapt in different ways to the strain between the goals and the means.
What are the adaptations within strain theory
CONFORMITY: These people achieve society’s goals legitimately through education and work (i.e. aren’t criminals).
INNOVATION: These people accept society’s goals but find illegal ways of achieving it by committing utilitarian crimes (for financial gain). Usually lower class individuals where legitimate opportunities are blocked (e.g. theft / drug dealing).
RITUALISM: These people give up on the goals of society. However, they work legitimately through dead end and low paying jobs (i.e. deviants).
RETREATISM: These people give up on both the goals and the means of society. They drop out and often engage in substance abuse (e.g. drug use / vagrancy)
REBELLION: These people reject both the goals and the means of society. They replace society’s goals and means with new ones, with the aim of changing society (e.g. terrorism).
One strength of Merton’s strain theory: How normal and deviant behaviour arise
Merton’s strain theory shows how normal and deviant behaviour arise from the same goals and different means. Individuals can want the same goals but can’t achieve them legitimately due to blocked opportunities.
One weakness of Merton’s strain theory: Ignores upper class crime
Strain theory ignores crime of the wealthy and predicts working class crime. In addition, it focuses on utilitarian crime and ignores crime with no economic motive, e.g. vandalism.
One weakness of Merton’s strain theory: Ignores group crime
Merton sees crime as an individual response to strain and ignores group crime and deviance.
