Why Is Crime Good For Society (Functionalism) Flashcards
1
Q
Boundary Maintenance
A
- reinforces commitment to the shared norms and values
- done through rituals of the courtroom
- reaffirms the values of the law-abiding majority and discourages others from rule breaking
2
Q
Example of Boundary Maintenance
A
- 2011 UK riots
3
Q
Adaption and Change
A
- Durkheim, all change starts with an act or deviance
- those with new ideas, value and ways of life must not be stifled by social control
- challenge existing norms and values to bring about change
- society needs to adapt with new ideas
4
Q
Examples of Adaption and Change
A
- Natasha’s Law:
law protecting allergy sufferers. Food businesses will have to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged food - Clare’s Law:
allows people to find out if their partner has an abusive or violent past - Suffragettes:
- gradual reforms such as The Equal Pay Act
5
Q
Evaluation for Adaption and Change
A
- society requires a certain amount of deviance to function successfully, but Durkheim offers no way of knowing how much is the right amount
6
Q
Evaluation for Boundary Maintenance
A
- ignores how it may affect individuals
7
Q
Safety Valve
A
- Davis, crime can release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the monogamous nuclear family
- Polsky (1967), pornography safely ‘channels’ a variety of sexual desires away from alternatives such as adultery
8
Q
Examples of Safety Valve
A
- Prostitution
9
Q
Evaluation for Safety Valve
A
- radical feminist
10
Q
Warning Light
A
- Cohen, deviance indicates when an institution is malfunctioning
- informs society that a change needs to be made
11
Q
Examples of Warning Light
A
- high rates of truancy in school, problem with education system. Solved by fines for absences
12
Q
Evaluation for Warning Light
A
- Marxism, assumes norms and values reflect the wishes of the population
