Sociological evaluations

Question 1

Durkheim’s functionalist theory

Answer 1

Pro’s:
Recognises that crime is inevitable and sometimes necessary for social change.
Highlights the role of anomie in causing crime during times of social change.
Con’s:
Doesn’t explain why certain individuals commit crime while others do not.
Views crime positively , does not consider the effects it has of others.

Question 2

Merton’s strain theory

Answer 2

Pro’s:
Explains how societal pressure (e.g., the American Dream) can lead to crime.
Highlights how different groups respond to strain.
Con’s:
Focuses mainly on economic crime, neglecting violent crimes.
Assumes everyone shares the same goals (ignores cultural differences).

Question 3

Labelling theory

Answer 3

Pro’s:
Highlights the role of societal reactions and stereotypes in shaping criminals.
Explains how self fulfilling prophecy and development careers develop.
Con’s:
Does not explain why people commit deviant acts/crimes before being labelled.
Suggests crime only exists when society labels it, ignoring real harm.

Question 4

Marxism

Answer 4

Pro’s:
Highlights how laws benefit the ruling class
Explains why working class people are more likely to be criminalised.
Con’s:
Overemphasizes class, ignoring other factors like gender and ethnicity.
Does not explain why working class people still conform to the law.

Question 5

Right realism

Answer 5

Pro’s:
Provides practical solutions for reducing crime.
Recognises the role of individual responsibility in crime.
Con’s:
Ignores the impact of poverty and structural inequalities.
Over-focuses on street crime, ignoring white-collar or corporate crime.

Question 6

Left realism

Answer 6

Pro’s:
Acknowledges the role of relative deprivation and marginalisation in crime.
Recognises that crime affects the working class the most.
Con’s:
Doesn’t explain why only some deprived individuals turn to crime
Can be seen as too idealistic—assumes social reform will reduce crime.