Functionalism

Question 1

What type pf theory is functionalism?

Answer 1

Structural, macro consensus

Question 2

What is the functionalist view on crime?

Answer 2

source = located in structures of S
C+d can only be examined by looking at way S = organised structurally
Caused by S, not evil individuals

Question 3

How do agencies of social control try to prevent crime?

Answer 3

Spreading value consensus

Helps create social order + cohesion

Question 4

When did Durkheim write?

Answer 4

1985

Question 5

What 2 reasons does Durkheim give for crime existing?

Answer 5

1. Result of industrialisation

2. Performs +ve function (4)

Question 6

Why does Durkheim argue that crime is a result of industrialisation?

Answer 6

Pre-industrial S, agencies of social control (fam/rel) = Powerful - c = rare
Individuals = socialised into correct n+v
Severe punishments (exile/death)
BUT industrialisation led to scientific, rational explanations
Undermined power of fam/rel
Socialisation, agencies + punishment threats = weaker
Led to ANOMIE (moral uncertainty/ confusion)
Led to c+d

Question 7

why does Durkheim argue that crime must be functional?

Answer 7

Present in most S
Said: c = ‘integral part of all healthy S’
; all exposed to different influences + not all committed to shared v/ moral beliefs
C = necessary + beneficial (4 functions)
BUT does recognise that certain level can threaten social order

Question 8

What are Durkehim’s 4 functions of crime?

Answer 8

1. Enables social change
2. Strengthen n+v
3. Safety valve
4. Warning device

Question 9

How can crime lead to social change?

Durkheim

Answer 9

‘Yesterday’s days deviance is tomorrow normality’
Needed for S to progress, often starts with deviance
e.g. Suffragettes (W’s vote)

Question 10

How can crime strengthen the n+v of S?

Durkheim

Answer 10

Act as boundary management
Cases were law isn’t upheld, legal sanctions = been increased
e.g. case of baby P, social services = forced to be stricter

Question 11

How can crime act as a safety valve?

Durkheim

Answer 11

Allows S to maintain it’s own level of crime
By letting ‘petty/smaller’ crimes occur, prevent serious crimes
e.g. prostitution (moral crime); releases sexual urges preventing rape

Question 12

How can crime act as a warning device?

Answer 12

If = sudden rise in crime, shows laws need to be implemented/ modified
e.g. underages pregnant rates = decline in past 5 yrs; morning after pill now available at chemists, not just at the doctors

Question 13

Is all crime functional according to Durkheim?

Answer 13

No
Too much c+d can be dysfunctional
Therefore crucial that agencies of socialisation + social order = maintained IOT maintain healthy level
Agencies of social control = FUNCTIONAL PREREQUISITES

Question 14

What is a strength of Durkheim’s work?

Answer 14

1st sociological explanation of c+d

Acted as an important challenge to early biological/ psychological theories (Lombroso)

Question 15

What are 4 criticisms of Merton’s work?

Answer 15

1. Don’t explain why certain groups = more likely to commit c+d
2. Saying c = functional isn’t same as explaining how/ WHY it occurs
3. Are all crimes functional? (9/11)
4. Marxists: Over estimates v consensus, who has power to define c?

Question 16

What are the 2 ways in which Marxists would criticise Durkheim’s view on crime?

Answer 16

1. Over estimates v consensus - underestimates how much c+d occurs
2. Doesn’t consider who has the power to define c+d

Question 17

When did Merton write?

Answer 17

1968

Question 18

What is the first thing to mention when writing about Merton?

Answer 18

‘Merton (1968), who built upon the work of Durkheim….’

Question 19

How does Merton build upon the work on Durkheim?

Answer 19

Uses concepts of anomie to try + explain WHY c+d occurs in the 1st pace

Question 20

What are Merton’s 2 functions of crime?

Answer 20

1. Manifest (intended functions)

2. Latent (unintended functions, e.g. anomie + breakdown of S)

Question 21

What does Merton argue that there is a STRAIN between?

Answer 21

Goals of S (££) + accepted means of achieving them
S stresses importance of achieving these goals
Motivates individuals to achieve them
Idea of being wealthy = more important than means of achieving it

Question 22

Can everyone achieve S goals though legitimate means?

What happens as a result?

Answer 22

No
People respond differently to strain
There = anomie on HOW a person should achieve S goals

Question 23

What does Merton’s strain theory provide sociologist with?

Answer 23

Framework on how to classify (non)criminals
Must consider if individual accepts/ rejects:
a) S cultural goals
b) institutional means of attaining them

Question 24

Why does Merton believe that crime is inevitable?

Answer 24

C = inevitable outcome of a S which shares the same goals BUT NOT the opportunities to achieve them

Question 25

What are Merton's 5 responses to strain?

Answer 25

1. Conformity 2. Innovation 3. Ritualism 4. Retreatism 5. Rebellion

Question 26

Whose response is 'conformity' to strain? | Merton

Answer 26

Those who accept S goals + institutional means of achieving them Follow the rules, believe it will pay off eventually More mc

Question 27

Whose response is 'innovation' to strain?

Answer 27

Those who accept S goals BUT reject S rules (e.g. laws) on achieving wealth May be because they don't have means to (e.g £ for higher Ed) OR don't believe in the laws so turn to crime More wc e.g. drug dealers, cheating on tests

Question 28

Whose response is 'ritualism' to strain?

Answer 28

Those who don't believe they can attain S goals BUT continue down accepted path; = what supposed to do Lack ambition + motivation Most likely lower mc e.g. teacher who = lost interest in job but contuse to teach

Question 29

Whose response is 'retreatism' to strain?

Answer 29

Those who reject S goals + means to achieve them These people often retreat to substance abuse e.g. drug addicts, rough-sleepers

Question 30

Whose response is 'rebellion' to strain?

Answer 30

These people redefine S goals Create new means of pursuing their unique goals Group works outside the established system e.g. terrorists, conservationists

Question 31

Give 2 reasons why Merton's theory of c+d may be better than Durkheim's

Answer 31

1. M give an explanation of WHY c+d occurs in 1st place | 2. M refers to different people committing c+d for different reasons - D overgeneralises

Question 32

What are 4 criticisms of Merton's work?

Answer 32

1. Assumes we live in materialistic culture, doesn't explain non-utilitarian crimes (murder) 2. Ignores other factors (CAGE/locality) 3. Marxists: fails to consider power, who defines goals? 4. Assumes v consensus in USA S + people only deviate due to structural strain BUT USA = not homogenous American dream apply to UK? Is £ only goal?

Question 33

How would Marxists criticise Merton?

Answer 33

M fails to consider power Who decides S goal + acceptable means Fails to explain white collar, corporate + state crimes - mc who commit crimes have means to achieve G + DON'T experience strain

Question 34

What are 2 strengths of Merton's work?

Answer 34

1. More relevant than Durkheim's theory 2. Supporting evidence: in times of crisis when people = less likely to have access to S goals through legitimate means, crimes (burglaries/theft) increases