Crime - Functionalist Theories

Question 1

What do functionalists claim about small amounts of crime?

Answer 1

They are necessary for society to function and maintain boundaries

Functionalists believe that crime reinforces societal norms and values.

Question 2

What is the consequence of too much crime according to functionalists?

Answer 2

It makes society dysfunctional

Dysfunctional means that society no longer functions smoothly.

Question 3

Who is associated with the concept of collective conscience?

Answer 3

Durkheim

Collective conscience refers to shared beliefs about what is right and wrong.

Question 4

What happens as behavior differs from shared beliefs and values?

Answer 4

It is more likely to be seen as deviant

Deviance is behavior that goes against societal norms.

Question 5

What is one positive function of crime related to boundary maintenance?

Answer 5

Reaffirmation of shared values

Court cases and publicity serve to remind the public of societal boundaries.

Question 6

How does seeing people punished for crimes serve a societal function?

Answer 6

It deters the public from committing crime

Fear of arrest and punishment acts as a preventive measure.

Question 7

What is an example of crime leading to adaptation and change in law?

Answer 7

Martyn’s Law after the Manchester Arena attack

The law prohibits large bags in music venues to prevent bomb threats.

Question 8

What role does some deviance play in society according to Durkheim?

Answer 8

It is necessary for social change and progress

Deviant actions can lead to positive societal changes.

Question 9

What was a significant action taken by Extinction Rebellion protesters?

Answer 9

They caused massive disruption to raise awareness about carbon emissions e.g. glued themselves to trains

Their protests were aimed at addressing global warming.

Question 10

What does Durkheim call protestors who aim to improve society?

Answer 10

Functional rebels

They deviate from norms but seek societal betterment.

Question 11

How can society respond to horrific crimes according to the text?

Answer 11

By uniting to condemn the actions

This can strengthen social solidarity and a sense of belonging.

Question 12

What event is cited as an example of social solidarity after a crime?

Answer 12

The Manchester Arena attack in 2017

Vigils and concerts were held to mourn and unite the community.

Question 13

What is anomie?

Answer 13

A state of normlessness where norms and values no longer guide people’s behavior

Coined by Durkheim, anomie occurs during periods of rapid social change or stress.

Question 14

According to Durkheim, what forms the basis of people’s actions?

Answer 14

Collective conscience

Collective conscience refers to the shared values and norms that guide behavior in a society.

Question 15

What happens during periods of anomie?

Answer 15

People abandon social expectations and prioritize their own interests

This leads to a rise in crime and deviance due to the lack of guiding norms.

Question 16

What event is cited as an example of anomie in action?

Answer 16

The 2011 London riots

Many youths participated out of frustration due to economic conditions and lack of opportunities.

Question 17

What were some deviant acts during the coronavirus pandemic?

Answer 17

Panic buying and companies charging higher prices for essentials

Examples include inflated prices for hand sanitiser and baking flour.

Question 18

What crimes were reported during the coronavirus pandemic?

Answer 18

Online scams, such as bogus websites selling PPE and fake Netflix accounts

These scams often targeted people’s urgency and need for essential services.

Question 19

What is a key evaluation point regarding the necessity of crime in society?

Answer 19

How much crime is necessary for it to be functional and beneficial?

This question challenges the functionalist perspective on crime.

Question 20

What do functionalists fail to explain about crime?

Answer 20

Why some people commit crimes and others do not

They also struggle to address why individuals commit particular offenses.

Question 21

How does Durkheim view the function of crime in society?

Answer 21

He looks at how crime functions for society as a whole

This perspective overlooks the negative consequences of crime on victims.

Question 22

Does crime always promote social solidarity?

Answer 22

No, it may lead to increased isolation

For example, some individuals may avoid events after attacks due to fear.

Question 23

What is Merton’s strain theory?

Answer 23

Merton’s strain theory suggests that crime and deviance occur due to a strain or tension between societal goals and the means available to achieve them.

Question 24

What societal goal does Merton focus on in his study?

Answer 24

Achieving the American dream (money and success).

Question 25

What challenges do the working classes face according to Merton?

Answer 25

Poverty and a lack of qualifications.

Question 26

What is the 'strain to anomie'?

Answer 26

The gap between societal goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them.

Question 27

What may working-class individuals turn to when they face a 'strain to anomie'?

Answer 27

Crime.

Question 28

List the five adaptations or responses to a 'strain to anomie' according to Merton.

Answer 28

* Conformity * Innovation * Ritualism * Retreatism * Rebellion

Question 29

Define 'Conformity' in the context of Merton's strain theory.

Answer 29

Following the rules and working hard to achieve societal goals.

Question 30

What does 'Innovation' mean in Merton's adaptations?

Answer 30

Accepting societal goals but lacking legitimate means to achieve them, leading to crime.

Question 31

Explain 'Ritualism' as an adaptation to strain.

Answer 31

Rejecting societal goals but going through the motions of work.

Question 32

What is 'Retreatism' in Merton's theory?

Answer 32

Rejecting both societal goals and means, often leading to dropping out of society.

Question 33

What does 'Rebellion' entail in the context of Merton's adaptations?

Answer 33

Rejecting societal goals and replacing them with radically different new goals.

Question 34

Provide an example of 'Innovation' as per Merton’s theory.

Answer 34

Someone with no qualifications turning to crime.

Question 35

Give an example of 'Retreatism'.

Answer 35

Drug addicts who give up on societal goals.

Question 36

What are two examples of movements that represent 'Rebellion'?

Answer 36

* Black Lives Matter * Extinction Rebellion

Question 37

What assumption does Merton make about people's motivations for crime?

Answer 37

He assumes they are individual and ignores group dynamics, such as gangs. ## Footnote This critique highlights the need to consider collective motivations in criminal behavior.

Question 38

What aspect of crime does Merton fail to explain regarding individuals who achieve societal goals?

Answer 38

He does not explain why some people who have achieved goals, like wealth, commit crimes such as fraud. ## Footnote This raises questions about the motivations of successful individuals engaging in criminal activities.

Question 39

According to Merton, what is commonly pursued as a societal goal?

Answer 39

Money and success. ## Footnote Merton's theory suggests that these goals drive individuals towards crime when they cannot achieve them through legitimate means.

Question 40

What variety of goals does Merton overlook in his evaluation?

Answer 40

He overlooks goals such as a happy family life and leisure. ## Footnote These alternative goals may influence individuals' actions and their definitions of success.

Question 41

What types of crimes does Merton fail to explain that do not lead to material rewards?

Answer 41

Violence, sexual assault, vandalism. ## Footnote These crimes challenge Merton's focus on economic motivations for criminal behavior.