Functionalism Durkheim

Question 1

Core

Answer 1

Functionalists argue that crime is inevitable
and an integral part of
society. Durkheim sees crime as a normal and
necessary aspect of social life. In every society,
not everyone is equally effectively socialised into are prone to deviate.

Question 2

Expanded

Answer 2

crime and
punishment performs two functions:
- Social Solidarity - crime brings society together
in a state of collective sorrow, punishment heals
the wound - expresses moral outrage
- Social Change - All change starts with deviance
- deviance is needed for society to progress -
something new and challenging needed to
challenge an established system.

Question 3

Strength

Answer 3

➤ Highlights positive
functions of crime
➤ Social change, unity,
boundaries.

Question 4

Weakness

Answer 4

➤Doesn’t explain why
people commit crime
➤ More about society
than individuals.
➤ Ethical issue: Ignores
victims.

Question 5

Policy

Answer 5

Prison- used to punish, deter and protect society

Question 6

Effective?

Answer 6

Yes it deters crime, keeps dangerous people away from others. Some offenders turn their life around.

Question 7

Theory linked to policy

Answer 7

Marxism