Criminology Theories Flashcards
(17 cards)
What does Durkheim believe about crime in society?
Crime is an integral part of all healthy societies.
What does the acronym FIN stand for in Durkheim’s theory?
Functional, Inevitable, Normal.
What does ‘Functional’ imply in Durkheim’s theory of crime?
Crime and deviance perform positive roles or jobs for society.
What does ‘Inevitable’ mean in the context of Durkheim’s theory?
Crime and deviance are bound to happen in complex, modern societies.
What does ‘Normal’ signify in Durkheim’s perspective on crime?
It is healthy to have some crime and deviance.
Why is crime and deviance found in all societies according to Durkheim?
Not everyone is equally socialized into shared norms and values.
Diversity of lifestyles and values means different groups develop different morals.
What are the positive functions of crime according to Durkheim?
Adaptation and change
Safety Valve
Boundary Maintenance
What does Adaptation and Change mean according to Durkheim?
Suggested changes come from acts of deviance.
Individuals with new ideas, values, and ways of living must not be completely stifled by social control.
People challenge existing norms and values to bring about change.
Society needs to adapt to these new ideas and change.
What reinforces social solidarity and shared rules according to Durkheim?
Boundary Maintenance
What is a ‘Safety Valve’ in the context of crime?
Committing petty crimes can release frustrations to avoid more severe crimes.
Give an example of a ‘Safety Valve’ as discussed by Durkheim.
The Holbeck red-light district in Leeds.
What is the purpose of the Holbeck red-light district?
It allows prostitution in designated areas to ensure safety for sex workers.
How does crime contribute to ‘Boundary Maintenance’?
Crime can unite society through shared values and condemning the wrongdoer.
What are criticisms of Durkheim’s functionalist approach to crime?
He never states how much crime is needed for a functional society.
He does not explain why people commit crimes or why they commit particular types of crime.
Assumes norms and laws reflect the wishes of everyone.
Some crimes make people feel isolated, promoting fear rather than social solidarity.
What assumption does Durkheim make about norms and laws?
He assumes they reflect the wishes of everyone.
What do Marxists argue about laws in the context of crime?
Laws benefit the ruling class and punish the working class more harshly.
What negative impact can some crimes have on society?
They can make people feel isolated and promote fear rather than social solidarity.
