Sociological theories of criminality: Functionalist theories Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is a function?
Functionalists argue that everything has a positive role to play in helping society to run smoothly
What is a structural theory?
An explanation that focuses on the way in which society is organised
What is socialisation?
Process of learning norms and values
What is social solidarity/integration?
All members of society feel like they belong to the same harmonious unit and most do not deviate from it’s shared norms
What is an anomie?
‘Normlessness’ Society has multiple sets of norms and values that are often conflicting
What is a strain?
Conflict between the pressure to conform to society’s norms in but still achieve it’s main goals of monetary success
What is a utilitarian crime?
Crimes committed for financial gain
What was one key idea of Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Crime is the inevitable result of inadequate socialisation/anomie
What 4 functions does crime performs according to Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Boundary maintenance
Social change
Safety valve: Davis
Warning light
What function is boundary maintenance according to Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Crime unites society’s members against wrongdoers, reinforcing the boundary between right and wrong
What function is social change according to Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
For society to progress, individuals with new ideas must challenge existing norms and values – this is deviance at first
What function is safety valve: Davis according to Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
For example prostitution acts to release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family
What function is warning light according to Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Deviance indicates that a society isn’t functioning properly so action can be taken to fix it
What is one strength of Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
First to recognise that crime can have positive functions for society
What is one limitation of Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Does not suggest what the right amount of crime is for society to function properly
What is a second limitation of Durkheim’s functionalist theory?
Crime is not functional for all – e.g. victims
What was one key idea of Merton’s strain theory?
Crime is the result of unequal access to society’s goal of wealth
What is blocked opportunities relating to Merton’s strain theory?
Not all have equal chance to achieve wealth – this creates strain for working class people who cannot access wealth legitimately
What are the 4 deviant adaptions to the strain according to Merton’s strain theory?
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion
What deviant adaption is innovation according to Merton’s strain theory?
Accept the goal but find illegal ways to achieve it - utilitarian crimes
What deviant adaption is ritualism according to Merton’s strain theory?
Give up striving for success. Plod along in dead-end job
What deviant adaption is retreatism according to Merton’s strain theory?
Reject goal and means to achieve. Drop-outs e.g. drunks, vagrants
What deviant adaption is rebellion according to Merton’s strain theory?
Reject goal and means, replacing them with new ones in order to change society – political radicals and alternative cultures e.g. hippies
What is one strength of Merton’s strain theory?
Shows how normal and deviant behaviour arise from the same goals
