Functionalism Flashcards
What is Boundary Maintenance?
This is the idea that a certain level of crime is good for society
This is because when people are punished for committing crimes it teaches people in society not to go against society’s norms and values - This strengthens boundaries and prevents further crime
Which functionalist supports Boundary maintance?
Durkheim
What is functional Rebellion?
Some Deviance may enable much needed change
e.g the suffragettes
Who came up with functional Rebellion?
Durkheim
How does crime create social cohesion?
horrific crimes such as terrorism may create public outrage and draw diverse communities together
Who argued that crime can create social cohesion?
Durkheim
How can crime act as an early warning system?
Deviance may act as a sign that a social institution isn’t running properly and needs change
e.g prisons with suicide and high reoffending rates
Who said that crime can act as an early warning system?
Durkheim
How can crime be a safety valve for society?
Some functionalists argue that smaller crimes act as a way to prevent more serious crime
Who argued for crime being a safety valve?
Polsky & Durkheim & Davis
What example of crime as a safety valve did Polsky use?
Pornography may prevent more extreme sexual offences
What is anomie?
anomie is a state of normlessness: the lack of social cohesion and solidarity that often accompanies rapid social change
Who came up with Anomie?
Durkheim but Merton later built on it
What is strain theory?
Research in USA found that institutions socialised individuals into believing
The American Dream - prosperity and mobility is available to all that work hard
Believe shared goals (financial success, Home ownership)
Achieve these goals by approved means (Work hard in school then get a good grade)
a strain exists between the structural means of achieving the dominant cultural Goal
Who came up with strain theory?
Merton
