functionalism Flashcards
5 paras for functionalism
1- Durkheim (why crime)
2-Mertons strain theory
3-cohen (alternative status)
4- Cloward and Ohlen -subcultural theory
5 if needed Durkheim (why crime good)
P1-Durkheim
Certain amount of crime is good
distruption to society from crime inevitable and universal (normal)
2 reasons- inadequate socialisation so not in shared culture/mainstream h&m
diversity of lifestyle- complex modern society, different subcultures, diff n&v, may be seen as deviant from mainstream soc.
moving towards normlessnes&anomie, government rules weaker,
DoL- more social and cultural diversity- individual differences,so less collective conscience, more C&D
P1 Durkheim A03
Marxism- Criminogenic capitalism
nature of capitalism causes crime
based on exploitation- crime is only way WC can escape poverty
GAP crime
P2 Strain theory
Developed from Durkheim
C&D due to strain of trying to achieve cultural goals (American Dream) but being restricted by structural factors.
Those disadvantaged will struggle to achieve wealth and status needed for american dream
AD- meritocratic- everyone can achieve based off efforts and abilities, those diadvantaged (WC) struggle in education &cannot achieve- strain leads to anomie and so adapt
INNOVATION- cannot achieve means legitimately so turn to illegitimate ways eg theft
P2 AO3
Marxism- doesn’t explain White collar crime of those who already achieved AD- on,y explains crimes of the streets/ not non utilitarian crime
P3 Cohen
Develops from Merton
WC/EM (disadvantaged) struggle to achieve means as culturally deprived, bottom of official status hierarchy
status frustration of not being able to achieve legitimately, reject mainstream N&V and join subcultures as a way of achieve i b capital in other means- alternative status hierarchy
inverts mainstream values eg willis WC lads
P3 Cohen AO3
Marxism- deterministic- not all culturally deprived/ WC turn to crime as a response of failiure, have free will in decisions
P4- Cloward and Ohlen
Subcultural theory agree with merton that deviance stems from denied legitimate opportunities
but not everyone turns to utilitarian crime/ innovation
some turn to non utilitarian eg violence &drugs
criminal subcultures
-utilitarian, stable criminal network with criminal career ladder (eg mafias)
conflict subcultures
areas of high population turnover with no stable crim network
loosely organised gangs with violence as form of release
alt status awarded through winning turf, eg bloodz and cripz
retreatist subcultures
any neighbourhood , not everyone aspiring to be gang leader achieves so double failure
based on drug use, can’t sell so use eg hippies&homeless
P4 AO3
Matza-delinquents not strongly committed to subcultures, tied to one in their neighbourhood and so drift in and out of delinquency
Conclusion for functionalism
may argue crime is good for society, but ignores effect on individual- may have good effect ie social solidarity, but can be devastating for individual so wouldn’t argue it’s good
AO1-AO3
Durkheim-criminogemic capitalism
Strain-Marxism- explains crimes of streets but not crime of suites (white collar crime)
Cohen-Deterministic approach
Cloward and Ohlen- matza
Criminal subcultures
Utilitarian
High crime rate neighbourhood
stable crime network
crime career ladder
mafia/drug lord
Conflict subculture
High population turnover
no stable crime network
loosely organised gangs
violence as a release of frustration
alt status through winning turf eg bloodz and cripz
retreatist subculture
not guaranteed success as gang leader
double failure
use drugs instead of selling for money
eg hippies and homeless
P5 Durkheim
4 AO1 points and AO3
Boundary maintenance-ignores effect on individual
Adaptation and change-state and law making
Safety valve- rad fems say validates patriarchy- okay to cheat cos it reduces crime
warning light-state and law making
