AQA A2 Sociology: Functionalism and Crime

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  • Created by: EmK123
  • Created on: 05-06-16 15:47
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  • Functionalism and Crime
    • Durkhiem
      • Deviance = normal
        • Conflicting ideas make the value consensus weak so people are unsure on morality so people turn to crime.
        • Institutions don't integrate people properly
        • Rapid social change = anomie = deviance.
      • Deviance = functional
        • Punishment reinforces the rules and has a deterrent effect.
        • Crimes provoke moral outrage bringing people together under a common cause.
        • Contributes to wellbeing of society
      • Deviance forces social change
        • Can be the forerunner to tomorrows conformity and morality (suffragettes, gay marriage or abortion)
        • A sudden loss of deviance would be harmful.
      • Eval: No explanation to why people commit certain crimes. He ignores the R/C and doesn't explain why people join criminal gangs.
    • Merton
      • Deviance is the result of culture and structure in society
        • Social stability based on value consenus
        • For success you need the best people in the most appropriate jobs.
        • Access to legitimate means of achieving your goals is limited = deviance is a result of blocked opportunities and the frustration it creates.
      • 5 categories of people:
        • Conformists- conform to society's norms and values.
        • Ritualists- give up on success but use legitimate means (civil servant)
        • Innovators-have legitimate goals but use alternative means.
        • Retreatists- reject society's norms and values.
        • Rebels- reject society's norms and values and replace them with their own (terrorists)
      • Eval: Ignores W/C and crime not motivated by money and doesn't look at gangs.

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