Theories Of Crime (functional And Marxism) Flashcards
What does Durkheim mean by crime is inevitable
It will happen and it cannot be completely prevented
Give a reason why crime cannot be completely prevented (prevented)
-individuals are socialised differently
-different norms, values, influences
-not everyone commits to the same collective sentiments
What positive functions does crime have
Social solidarity - society comes together after acts of crime
Boundary maintenance - a reminder of laws
Social change - without crime society would not be the place it is now
Warning sign - can act as a warning sign
What did Merton suggest that crime and deviance is a result of
Stress (strain)
Why does the result of strain affect the working class
They get blocked from work, education and financial opportunities
State the responses of of strain
Rebellion, ritualism, retreatism, comformity,
Define retreatism
Reject society goals and give up trying
Define Ritualism
Follow rules or traditions because they are used to them
Define comfirmity
Changing behaviour, beliefs to match society
Rebellion
Rejecting societies rules and doing things ur own way
What is structural functionalism
Idea that crime is not a reaction to feeling lost or useless and happens because of influence
What’s the difference between cohen (status frustration) and Merton (strain)
Cohen focuses on useless crimes
- vandalism because they feel left out or to gain status
Merton looks at crimes that are about personal gain for money
Which type of people in society are often denied status (respect)
Working class, young people and minority ethnic groups
What do Cloward and ohlin believe about status frustration
Not everyone can deal with status frustration in the same way because people might not have the chance to commit crime
Give an example to back cloward and ohlins belief
People in the countryside might not have many chances to commit crimes
Define anomie
Lack of rules or guidance
What’s the idea of criminogenic
Capitalism causes crime
In what society would crime not exist in and why
Communist because there would be no inequality or anger
What two feelings do Marxists believe capitalism encourages
Greed and selfishness
What do the working class experience making them angry and violent
Alienation
Define alienation
Feeling isolated
What does Gordon believe all classes do
Commit crime ( dog eat dog )
What do Marxists believe about law creation
The parliament only approve laws that benefit the ruling class
Define snider (parliament law)
Parliament do not approve laws that don’t benefit the ruling class
Define selective law enforcement
The rich get richer the poor get poorer
If the rich commit crime no one notices
Why do functionalists believe crime is necessary
Strengthens norms and values
Why does Durkheim believe that crime can clarify societies boundaries
Social change - crime acts like a catalyst for social change by challenging old norms
Social solidarity - crime can bring people together after crime or deviant behaviour- after a terrorist attack people come towards supporting each other
Warning sign - crime can show that something in society isn’t working properly and needs to be fixed - if there’s high rise in crime for youth it means there aren’t enough job or education opportunities
Boundary maintenance - when people break the law and are punished, it reminds society what is and isn’t acceptable
