Durkheims Functionalist Theory

Question 1

Views

Answer 1

Sees members of society as sharing a common culture- shared norms, values & beliefs

Question 2

In order to achieve solidarity, society have 2 key mechanisms

Answer 2

• socialisation

- social control- positive+ negative sanctions and rewards

Question 3

Functionalist- inevitability of crime

Answer 3

• regard crime and deviance as negative
• a threat to social order
  However while functionalist see too much crime as destabilising society they also see crime as inevitable &universal

Question 4

Durkheim-

Answer 4

“Crime is normal… an integral part to a healthy society”
2 reasons why crime exists:
-not everyone is effectively socialised into the shared norms& values- causes crime
-complex modern society, different views on lifestyles- what some may regard as normal mainstream may see as deviant.

Question 5

The positive functions of crime- Durkheim

Answer 5

Crime is not only inevitable it also fulfils two important functions

• boundary maintenance
• adaption& change

Question 6

Boundary maintenance

Answer 6

Boundary maintained- reinforcing shared Normals and values - In Durkheim view the purpose of punishment is it reaffirm societies shared norms & values - punishment discourages others from wrongdoing

Question 7

Adaption& change Durkheim

Answer 7

All change starts with an act of deviance
-individuals with new ideas and ways of living must not be completely stifled by the weight of social control.- some scope for them to challenge and change existing norms and values - first this will appear deviant