Topic 2: Functionalist explanations

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

Functionalists are structural sociologists who regard those structures as based upon the shared values and agreement in society. They tend to have an optimistic view about society and see institutional adjustment and reform as all that is necessary to tackle social problems.
Durkheim believed that as societies became more complex and modern so socialisation agencies were less likely to do an effective job in ensuring value consensus. Consequently there was likely to be more crime and deviance in modern societies compared with pre-industrial societies.

Question 2

Conclusion

Answer 2

Albert cohen- the delinquent subculture (func subculture theory) - Functionalist subcultural theory