evaluation of sociological theories

Question 1

durkheim-strengths

Answer 1

• was the first to the crime can have a positive function
• considers the wider structure of society in influencing behaviour

Question 2

durkheim-weaknesses

Answer 2

•crime is not positive for victims and their families
• durkheim doesn’t give an indication of the ‘right amount’ of crime

Question 3

merton-strengths

Answer 3

• explains the fact that working class commit more crime
• shows how normal and deviant behaviours pursue ‘money success’ but by different ways

Question 4

merton-weaknesses

Answer 4

• doesn’t explain crime with no money motive
• crime is seen as an individual response, lots of crime is committee on gangs

Question 5

Cohen subcultural theories- strengths

Answer 5

• considers that deviance often occurs in group environments and considers non-utilitarian crimes
• cloward and ohlin consider setting to differentiate opportunities

Question 6

subcultural theories- weaknesses

Answer 6

• doesn’t consider female crime
• doesn’t consider crimes of the upper class

Question 7

Becker labelling-strengths

Answer 7

• shows how police create crime by applying labels based on stereotypes of typical criminals

Question 8

labelling-weaknesses

Answer 8

•the self-fulfilling prophecy doesn’t always come true
• it portrays criminals as the victims, ignoring real ones