Durkheim: a functionalist perspective

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What does Durkheim argue?
the function of punishment is to uphold social solidarity and reinforce shared values by expressing society's moral outrage at the offence
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Durkheim identifies two types of justice, corresponding to two types of society
Retributive justice and Restitutive justice
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Retributive justice
Traditional society has a strong collective conscience, so punishment is severe and vengeful
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Restitutive justice
In modern society, there is extensive interdependence between individuals. Crime damages this and the function of justice should be to repair the damage (e.g. through compensation)
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Evaluation
Durkheim's view is too simplistic: traditional societies often have restitutive rather than retributive justice, e.g. paying off a blood feud
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Durkheim identifies two types of justice, corresponding to two types of society

Back

Retributive justice and Restitutive justice

Card 3

Front

Retributive justice

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Restitutive justice

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Evaluation

Back

Preview of the front of card 5

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