Functionalism Flashcards
(24 cards)
Who are they 2 key thinkers associated with Functionalism?
Durkheim and Merton
How did Durkheim say crime changed over time?
Crime rates have risen from pre industrial societies compared to modern societies due to the increase of anomie.
What did Durkheim claim about crime?
It is present in all societies, and therefore must play a positive function in society.
What were Durkheim’s 4 functions of crime?
Functional Rebellion Social Cohesion Boundary Maintenance Safety Valve Warning
What did Durkheim mean by ‘functional rebellion’?
An act that provokes social change by highlighting problems in the way society is organised - can lead to changes in laws.
What did Durkheim mean by ‘social cohesion’?
An act that brings the rest of law-abiding citizens together in collective shock.
What did Durkheim mean by ‘boundary maintenance’?
Acts that remind us that certain behaviours are unacceptable - punishments delivered publicly which deter others.
What did Durkheim mean by ‘safety valve’?
Acts that prevent more serious crimes from taking place.
What did Durkheim mean by ‘warning’?
An act that, if happens frequently, raises awareness of social problems which need to be dealt with.
What is an example of ‘functional rebellion’?
Divorce Reform Act, Equal Pay, Gay marriage.
What is an example of ‘social cohesion’?
Terrorism - Manchester attack
What is an example of ‘boundary maintenance’?
London Riots 2011 - stealing water lead to 6 months imprisonment.
What is an example of ‘safety valve’?
Polsky - access to porn reduces sexual offences.
Davis - prostitution reduces marital breakdown.
What is an example of ‘warning’?
Case of Baby P led to an increase in child protection laws in which teachers or other figures of authority could be held accountable for an injury/death of a child if they see a problem but do not report it.
What is the name of Merton’s theory?
Strain Theory
What are the origins of Mertons theory?
Strain stems from the American Dream - a set of aspirations/goals based upon the meritocratic system of the USA where hard work is rewarded by material success.
However, this is a myth as not everyone can achieve it.
What is meant by ‘strain theory’?
The belief that crime occurs when people have a desire to achieve socially acceptable goals, but they lack to legitimate means to do so.
What did Merton say are the main causes of strain?
Unequal Opportunity Structures and the emphasis on achieving material success.
What are Merton’s 5 responses to strain?
Conformity Innovation Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion
What did Merton mean by ‘conformity’?
Accepting socially approved goals and striving to achieve them in a legitimate manner.
What did Merton mean by ‘innovation’?
Accepting socially approved goals, but using crime as a shortcut to achieve them.
What did Merton mean by ‘ritualism’?
Giving up on achieving the goals of society but continuing to follow legitimate rules.
What did Merton mean by ‘retreatism’?
Giving up on trying to be successful and ‘dropping out of society’.
What did Merton mean by ‘rebellion’?
Rejecting goals of society and instead creating your own.
