Structural Theories

Question 1

Key features of Structural theories

Answer 1

• Focus on how society is organised
• Considers how equal/unequal society is
• Believes the structure of society is the cause of crime

Question 2

What is Durkheims Functionalist theory?

Answer 2

• Stable structure based on norms and values and right and wrong, all members should conform to the same ideals
• Crime is inevitable in those inadequately socialised, ‘anomie’ refers to weakened social norms

Question 3

What are the four functions of crime (DF)?

Answer 3

• Boundary Maintenance
• Social Change
• Safety Valve
• Warning Light

Question 4

What is boundary maintenance? (DF)

Answer 4

Crime produces a reaction that unites society’s members against the wrongdoer, reminding them of the boundary between right and wrong, and reaffirmimg their shared values
E.g. Putin

Question 5

What is Social Change? (DF)

Answer 5

For society to progress, individuals with new ideas must challenge existing norms and values, and at first this will be seen as deviance
E.g. Mandela

Question 6

What is Safety Valve? (DF)

Answer 6

Davis argues that prostitution acts to release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family

Question 7

What is Warning Light? (DF)

Answer 7

Deviance indicates that an institution isn’t functioning properly

Question 8

What is Merton Strain?

Answer 8

• Society values money success or wealth

- Unequal structure of society may block people’s opportunities, so they find illegitimate ways for success

Question 9

What does Strain refer to?

Answer 9

Strain refers to the struggle to reach society’s goal with the lack of opportunities to do so

Question 10

What is innovation? (MS)

Answer 10

Using socially unapproved or unconventional means to obtain culturally approved goals
E.g. Dealing drugs or stealing