Topic 1 Fuctionalism, Strain Theory And Subcultural Theory Flashcards
Which functionalist believes crime is inevitable and positive?
Durkheim
Which functionalist believes prostitution is a positive crime?
Davis - prostitution acts as a safety valve releasing mens sexual frustration without affecting families
Is society really trying to stop crime? (Theorist)
Erikson argues if crime and deviance perform positive functions, then perhaps society is organised in such a way to promote deviance.
Who developed strain theory
Merton
Who produced the idea of status frustration?
Cohen
What is Merton’s strain theory?
People engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve social approval and goals, causing frustration.
Criticise the strain theory. (Cloward and Ohlin, Cohen, Merton)
Assumes that everyone starts off with mainstream goals Miller argues w/c are separate from the mainstream
According to Durkheim, what 2 positive functions does crime provide
Boundary maintenance - crime produces a reaction from society as a collective. Reinforcing solidarity and shared norms.
Adaptation and change - all acts of change start via deviance crime is required to challenge and change norms progressing society
Criticise Durkheim’s theory that crime can be positive.
Crime doesn’t always promote solidarity it make have the opposite effect radicalising and isolating people
How could the American dream cause strain (according to which theorist)
Some groups are disadvantaged so can’t achieve the american dream.
This causes strain between cultural goals and reality. Merton says this can create pressure into illegitimate means such as crime.
What is the ‘strain to anomie’?
When strain creates pressure to move into crime
What are the 5 adaptations people make when under strain, according to Merton
- Conformity - accept culturally approved goals (typically middle class)
- Innovation - accept the goal of monetary success but do this illegitimatly (theft/fraud)
- Ritualism - give up on achieving the goals but still follow the rules
- Retreatism - reject everything and become dropouts
- Rebellion - reject society’s goals replacing them with new ideas like revolution
What are 2 strengths of Mertons strain theory.
Shows how both deviant and normal behaviour can arise from the same goal
He explains trends in official statistics: most popular crime is utilitarian as american society values material wealth
Give 2 weaknesses
What are 2 weaknesses of Mertons strain theory.
Merton sees crime as mainly a working class phenomenon
It assumes there is a value consensus that everyone strives for monetary success
What is subcultural strain theory?
See deviance as a product of a delinquent subculture offering an alternate way for w/c to achieve.
What is status frustration? Who coined it? And what does it aim to achieve?
A sense of personal failure and inadequacy
Cohen tries to provide an explanation for non-utilitarian crime
How does Cohen criticise mertons’ theory?
Merton sees deviance as an individual response to strain, ignoring that deviancy is caused by groups
Merton focused on utilitarian crime, ignoring assault
What is one weakness of Cohen’s status frustration
Cohen assumes working class boys have the same goals as middle class boys so see themselves as failures
How do Cloward and Ohlin build on Merton and Cohens’ ideas?
Cloward and Ohlin say where some crime may arise from a lack of legitimate opportunities. Other crimed may result from access to illegitimate opportunities
What 3 deviant subcultures did Cloward and Ohlin identify
- Criminal subculture - happen in communities with well established crime where youths are provided criminal subculture
- Conflict subculture - in areas with social disorganisation prevent criminal networks from forming
- Retreating subculture - some people don’t achieve in criminal and non-criminal subcultures so lean towards retreatism and drug use
Miller argues instead of crime being due to alternate guidelines it forms of via an extension of working class values.
What 6 focal concerns did Miller identify?
trouble life involves violence
toughness manliness shown via drunkeness and womanising
smartness looks good act sharp
excitements prioritise fun
fate life can’t be changed
Autonomy don’t let anyone push you around
