Consensus Theory on Crime and Social Class

What is consensus theory?

Consensus is when society is in agreement on their norms and values (have value consensus). A consensus theory includes Functionalism.

Functionalism and Crime

Functionalists...

• see the law as a reflection of society's shared values
• see crime as the product of inadequate socialisation

Miller

• the lower class has developed an independent subculture with its distinctive norms and values
• these norms and values clash with mainstream culture which explains why the W/C have a higher…