sociology crime functionalism perspective

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Durkheim:

-said crime was inevitable and functional

-inevitable because there are alays going to be people who havent been fully sociolised into the shared norms and values, and because of the complex division of labour, people have a weakened sense of collective consciousness therefore forming new subcultures with new norms and values.

-functional as it acts as

1-boundary maintenance-people witness other people being punished for crimes, reminding them to avoid acting that way themselves. Reinforces shared rules.

2-adaption and change- a small amount lets individuals express new ideas etc which may be beneficial to society. eg. 911 led to higher security. However to much can lead to society breaking apart, but to little can show us that society may be controlling its members a little too much

Cohen gives another way in which crime is functional, it acts as a warning device. If drug addiction etc is a problem it shows us that society isn't working properly.

Davies supports durkheim as says crime is functional as it acts as a safety valve- minor deviations such as watching **** or taking part in protests acts as a channel for discontent or desires. This allows frustrations to be released, preventing more serious crimes from being committed.

A03 evaluation Durkheim:
X=Vague about how much is too much or little crime.

X=Explains crime in term of functionalism but in reality, society doesnt create crime with the intention of creating solidarity.

X=Doesn't actually explain why crimes occur, or why some groups commit more than others.

Merton

-Strain theory

-says people act in criminal or deviant ways when they cant afford to acheive socially approved goals by leitimate means.

-there are 5 ways in which people respond to strain:

1-conformity-accepting socially approved goals and legitimately achieving them.

2-innovation-accepting goals but coming up with illegitimate ways to achieve them eg stealing.

3-ritualism-giving up on achieving goals but still conforming to law and legitimate means.

4-retreatism-giving up goals and rejecting legitimate means, may become addicted to drugs etc.

5-rebellion

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