Durkheim: crime is inevitable and universal, it is "normal" and found in all societies
crime performs 2 functions: boundary maintenance, uniting its members reinforcing shared values, adaptation to change, giving members something to challenge
1 of 5
Too much crime tears the bonds of society, too little crime shows that society is controlling individuals too much stopping freedom and preventing change
Davis: Prostitution acts as a safety valve, without threatening the nuclear family
2 of 5
criticisms: Functionalist theory explains the existence of crime and how it benefits society however this doesn't mean that is why crime exists in the first place
crime may not always promote consensus it may have the opposite effect and make members feel isolated
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Durkheim: in complex modern societies there is a tenancy towards anomie and normalessness because of different values and lifestyles
Durkeheim
4 of 5
Too much crime would destabalise society.. but how much is too much?
Criticism
5 of 5
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Davis: Prostitution acts as a safety valve, without threatening the nuclear family
Back
Too much crime tears the bonds of society, too little crime shows that society is controlling individuals too much stopping freedom and preventing change
Card 3
Front
crime may not always promote consensus it may have the opposite effect and make members feel isolated
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