functionalism & strain Flashcards
(11 cards)
Who said crime is “inevitable” and serves positive functions?
Durkheim- thanks
Name two positive functions of crime according to Durkheim.
Boundary maintenance and adaptation/change
What does Durkheim mean by ‘anomie’?
A state of normlessness when social norms break down, leading to deviance
Evaluate Durkheim’s view on crime.
Ignores how crime may not be functional for victims; too vague
Who developed strain theory within Functionalism?
Merton
What are Merton’s five modes of individual adaptation?
Tiana- Conformity
Moana-Innovation,
Elsa-Ritualism,
Beast-Retreatism,
Merida-Rebellion
According to Merton, why does strain occur?
When people cannot achieve culturally approved goals via legitimate means (do things the right way)
Criticism of Merton’s strain theory?
Ignores white-collar crime and assumes value consensus
Who argued that crime is a response to blocked opportunities and status frustration?
Cohen
How does Cohen explain non-utilitarian crime?
As a way for working-class boys to gain status via alternative values
What do Cloward and Ohlin add to strain theory?
Different access to illegitimate opportunity structures LEADING TOO criminal, conflict, retreatist)
