Durkheim's functionalist theory Flashcards
What did functionalists see society as?
A stable structure based on shared norms and values and beliefs about right and wrong
What does this stable structure produce?
social solidarity or integration where all members of society feel they belong to the same harmonious unit
Why is crime inevitable?
in every society some individuals are inadequately socialised and likely to deviate
What is an anomie?
normlessness where shared norms become weakened
What are the four functions of crime?
Boundary maintenance, social change, safety valve and warning light
What is boundary maintenance?
reminds society of the boundaries between right and wrong and the reaffirming their shared rules
What is social change?
in order for society to progress, individuals must challenge existing norms and values
What is Safety valve?
Davis argues that prostitution acts can release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family
What is Warning light?
deviance indicates that an institution isn’t functioning properly
What is the strength of his study?
Durkheim was the first to recognize that crime can have positive functions to society
What are the limitations of his study?
He claims society requires a certain amount of deviance to function but offers no way of knowing how much is the right amount
Crime is not functional to victims
