Topic 1: Functionalist, strain and subcultural theories Flashcards
What is Durkheim’s functionalist theory of society as a whole?
Sees society as based on value consensus. Two key mechanisms. Socialisation + Social control.
How do functionalists view crime?
Integral to societies
Why is crime and deviance found in society?
1) People are socialised differently, making people more prone to deviate
2) Diversity of life styles and values, subcultures may see mainstream cultures as deviant.
What is Anomie?
Anomie reflects an individuals moral confusion and lack of direction.
What does Durkheim believe Anomie does?
Causes an increase in deviation and suicide.
What are two important positive functions of crime according to Durkheim?
1- Boundary maintenance
2- Adaptation and change
How is boundary maintenance a positive function of crime?
Unites members in condemnation of wrongdoer, reinforces laws.
This reaffirms social solidarity and discourages others from doing wrong.
How is adaptation and change a positive function of crime?
All change starts with deviance, new ideas are deviant which changes norms and values over time.
E.g The suffragettes were deviant but norms changed to allow women to vote.
What does Durkheim believe happens when crime gets too high in a society?
Too much crime threatens to tear the bonds of society apart.
What does Durkheim believe happens when crime gets too little in society?
Too little crime means that society is repressing and controlling its members too much, stopping individual freedom and preventing change.
What does Davis say is a positive function of crime?
Prostitution safely releases men’s sexual frustrations without threatening nuclear family.
What does Polski say is a positive function of crime?
Pornography safely channels a variety of sexual desires away from adultery which would pose a threat to the family.
What does Cohen say about the function of deviance?
It’s a warning that an institution is not working properly, ex. high rates of truancy tells us theres something wrong with the education system.
What does the functionalist Erikson (1966) say about the function of crime?
Perhaps society is actually organised so as to promote deviance. Suggests that social control produces crime rather than stopping it using labelling theory.
Give criticisms of the functionalist view.
-Durkheim doesn’t specify the correct amount of crime and deviance is good for society
-Functionalists suggest society creates crime has intention of strengthening solidarity.
-Functionalists look at how crime affects society as a whole not individual groups
-Crime doesn’t always produce solidarity and can isolate people instead
What are strain theories?
deviant behaviour happens when people are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
Who developed the first strain theory?
Robert. K. Merton (1938)
What is Merton’s strain theory?
He believes that deviance is a strain between society’s encouraged goals and what society allows them to achieve.
What are Structural factors?
Society’s unequal opportunity structure
What are Cultural factors?
Success goals in a culture.
Give an example of Merton’s strain theory in action
The goal (e.g american dream) and lack of opportunity creates a pressure to adopt illegitimate means. Norms are not strong enough to prevent this.
What are the 5 adaptations to strain
Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion
Conformity as an adaptation to strain
Where people accept society’s goals and try to achieve legitimately
Innovation as an adaptation to strain
Where people accept society’s goals, but use illegitimate means to gain them
