key sociologist approach to crime and deviance

Robert K Merton

functionalism

1957

Robert K Merton's Theory

When people feel pressured to follow societies accepted goals, people can either conform or respond in a variety of ways, such as crime as an alternative way of achieving these goals. This is also known as the strain theory.

Criticism of Merton's approach to crime and deviance

Marxists argue that Merton fails to consider power relations in society, or who makes the laws and benefits from them

Many sociologist argue that society is based on conflict between the powerful and the subordinate groups rather than on consenus or shared values and goals

Juvenile deliquency such as vandalism is not motivated by the goal of making money.

Howard S Becker

interactionism

1963

Howard S Becker Theory

In his study ' the outsiders' it is shown that once labelled as deviant by society then a 'deviant career' may be the result. It is society that defines people's actions as deviant.

Criticism of Becker's approach to crime and deviance

interactionism does not explain why individual deviate in…