why is crime good for society - durkheim

Question 1

boundary maintenance

Answer 1

crime produces a reaction from society which reinforces commitment to the shared norms and values by publicly shaming the offender. this creates social solidarity and sets the boundary for what’s right and wrong.

Question 2

examples of boundary maintenance

Answer 2

cleaning up the streets after the 2011 riots

Question 3

evaluation of boundary maintenance

Answer 3

ignores how it my effect individuals such as the victim. Eg- Jamie Bulger

Question 4

adaptation and change

Answer 4

all change starts with an act of deviance so people should be allowed to challenge existing norms and values. this is vital for society to change and adapt

Question 5

example of adaptation and change

Answer 5

the suffragettes movement led to gradual reforms

Question 6

evaluation of adaptation and change

Answer 6

Durkheim doesn’t say how much is the right amount of crime

Question 7

safety valve

Answer 7

davis argues that crime releases mens sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family. this prevents more violent crimes

Question 8

example of safety valve

Answer 8

prostitution

Question 9

evaluation of safety valve

Answer 9

this is a form of patriarchy where men dominate women by putting them in uncomfortable positions

Question 10

warning light

Answer 10

cohen argues that deviance indicates when an institution is malfunctioning and that changes must be made in society

Question 11

examples of warning light

Answer 11

truancy

Question 12

evaluation of warning light

Answer 12

this assumes laws and values reflect the wishes of the population and not the working class