Functionalists Theories of Crime and Deviance

Question 1

What does functionalist Durkheim see society based on?

Answer 1

Based on a value consensus achieved through socialisation and social control

Crime and deviance could threaten this value consensus so is dysfunctional

Question 2

What do functionalists argue about a certain amount of crime?

Answer 2

Argue a certain amount of crime is not only inevitable but essential for healthy societies

Question 3

What do functionalists argue crime creates?

Answer 3

Creates boundary maintenance through degradation ceremonies for those who break the law

These public punishments remind the public what is unacceptable behaviour and what will happen to those who behave in an unacceptable way

Question 4

What else do functionalists argue crime creates within society?

Answer 4

Also creates social cohesion and social solidarity as society unites in its outrage and condemnation of the offender

This reinforces peoples commitment to societies norms and values

Question 5

What do functionalists argue crime can serve as?

Answer 5

Can serve as a ‘warning sign’ of problems in society that need to be changed

Society must have the potential for norms and values to be changed otherwise society will never change and develop

Question 6

What does Durkheim’s negative aspect of crime say?

Answer 6

If the collective consciousness breaks down people may start to follow their own selfish desires

Creates a situation of anomie (normlessness) where there is no longer a consensus on societies norms and values and people may begin to act in criminal ways

Question 7

What are the criticisms of Durkheim: the negative aspects of crime?

Answer 7

Durkheim says a certain amount of crime is functional but doesn’t make it clear how much

Durkheim doesn’t explain why some people commit crime but most people don’t

Crime is unlikely to be functional for the victims