Sociology Crime and Deviance Functionalism

Functionalism

DURKHEIM--> society is based on value consensus, shared norms and values. This produces social solidarity.

Socialisation: shared culture, same norms etc

Social control: rewards for conformity and punishment for deviance.

Crime Inevitable and Universal: Normal part of all healthy societies. In every society, there are inadequately socialised people and a division of labour (apply this to illustrate anomie. Rapid change can result in suicide)

Function of Crime: Boundary Maintenence--> crime produces reaction from society, pulling people together against the wrongdoers. It also reinforces solidarity, reminding people of the boundaries.

Adaption and Change--> all change starts out as deviance. For change to occur, new ideas must challenge existing norms and first appear as deviance.

More positive functions of deviance: Safety Valve--> DAVIS argues prostitution acts to release mens sexual frustration. Warning--> A.K.COHEN argues deviance indicates an institution that is malfunctioning.

EVALUATION

• assumes crime performs positively to society, however, ignores victims.
• Durkheim claims…