Theories Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is Functionalism in the context of crime and deviance?
A consensus structuralist theory that views society as based on social order and harmony from a value consensus.
Functionalism is associated with the ideas of sociologist Émile Durkheim.
List the four key characteristics of crime according to Durkheim.
- Inevitability
- Universal
- Relative
- Functional
These characteristics highlight Durkheim’s perspective on the role of crime in society.
What positive functions does Durkheim argue crime performs for society?
- Reinforces moral boundaries
- Encourages social change
- Fosters social cohesion
These functions illustrate how crime can have beneficial effects despite its negative connotations.
Fill in the blank: Deviance can challenge current moral boundaries and lead to positive change by challenging _______.
[outdated norms and values]
How can deviance lead to societal change? Provide an example.
Deviance can lead to societal change when enough people agree with it, such as the suffragette movement leading to women gaining the vote.
Other examples include civil rights movements and acts of civil disobedience, like Rosa Parks breaking segregation laws.
What does the safety valve theory suggest about deviant behavior?
A small amount of deviant behavior can release social tension without threatening societal stability.
For example, prostitution may allow men to satisfy sexual desires without disrupting family life.
What is the warning device theory in the context of crime?
Crime and deviance can signal that an aspect of society isn’t functioning properly and needs attention.
For instance, high levels of youth crime might indicate issues in the education system or unemployment.
According to Durkheim, how does crime help with boundary maintenance?
Crime tests and reaffirms society’s moral boundaries by showing what is acceptable and what is not.
Society reacts to crime through punishment and media coverage, reinforcing the collective conscience.
What role does crime play in employment according to Davis?
Crime sustains jobs in law enforcement, judiciary, and security sectors, thus supporting the economy.
What is the functionalist view on too much crime?
Too much crime disrupts society, but it is argued to be necessary for stability and progress.
True or False: Functionalism fully addresses gendered violence such as domestic abuse.
False
Feminist critics argue that Functionalism treats gendered violence as functional rather than oppressive.
What cultural system did Merton argue was built on the ‘American Dream’?
A set of meritocratic principles assuring equality of opportunity for all
Merton’s theory highlights the disparity between the ideal of equal opportunity and the reality of unequal access to these goals.
What is ‘social bulimia’ according to Merton?
The bombardment of the poorest with the American Dream, leading them to commit crime
This concept reflects the disconnection between aspirations and reality for those unable to attain the American Dream.
What does conformity mean in Merton’s theory?
Acceptance of cultural goals and means of attaining those goals
Conformity is one of the responses to the strain between societal goals and means.
What is innovation in Merton’s theory?
Acceptance of cultural goals but rejection of traditional means to achieve them
Innovators turn to deviant crimes as a way to achieve financial success.
Define retreatism in Merton’s theory.
Rejection of both cultural goals and traditional means of achieving them
Retreatists often drop out of society and give up on societal expectations.
What is rebellion in the context of Merton’s theory?
Rejection of cultural goals and means, attempting to replace them with different ones
This can involve creating new social norms and values.
What does Cohen’s concept of status frustration explain?
Education underachievement restricts ability to achieve status legitimately, leading to subcultures
This is particularly relevant to the delinquency of working-class boys.
How do working-class boys express masculinity according to Cohen?
Delinquency becomes a way to express masculinity and challenge authority
This reflects a rejection of middle-class values in favor of alternative forms of identity.
What are conflict subcultures?
Socially disorganized groups lacking unity, focused on gang activity and violence to gain status
These subcultures often emerge in environments of social instability.
What defines a criminal subculture?
Access to established adult criminal networks and role models in crime
Criminal subcultures typically involve economic-based crimes like theft or organized crime.
Who are retreatists in the context of subcultures?
Lower class youths who are double failures, failing in both mainstream society and gang culture
This group often feels alienated from both traditional and alternative means of success.
What perspective does Marxism represent regarding crime?
Conflict Perspective
Marxism views crime as a result of the class structure in society.
Who are the two main classes in Marxist theory?
Bourgeoisie and Proletariat
The Bourgeoisie are the ruling class, while the Proletariat are the working class.
