Functionalist

• What is formal social control?

  Formal social control is practiced by specific agencies that maintain order in society.
• Give an example of formal social control.

  The criminal justice system is an example of formal social control.
• What is informal social control?

  Informal social control is more subtle and is manifested in everyday social interactions.
• How does informal social control push individuals towards conformity?

  It pushes back into conformity through comments and looks from others.
• What are the positive and negative functions that crime performs in society?

  Positive functions:

  • Maintains social order
  • Deters people from anomie
  • Provides jobs
  • Impacts the economy

  
  

  Negative functions:

  • Too much crime leads to anomie
• What are the three main functions of crime and deviance according to Durkheim?

  Boundary maintenance, adaptation and change, and social cohesion.
• What does boundary maintenance refer to in Durkheim's views on crime?

  Boundary maintenance refers to reaffirming society's values when someone breaks a law and is punished.
• How does adaptation and change function in society according to Durkheim?

  Laws change over time in response to the norms and values of society.
• What is social cohesion in the context of crime?

  Social cohesion occurs when a community unites in shared outrage after a horrific crime.
• What example does Durkheim use to illustrate social cohesion?

  Leah Croucher's death is used as an example of social cohesion.
• According to Davis, what role does minor criminal behavior play in society?

  Minor criminal behavior acts as a safety valve preventing more serious deviant behavior.
• What does Polsky suggest about crimes like prostitution?

  Polsky suggests that such crimes provide a safe way to release sexual frustrations, preventing more serious sexual offenses.
• What do Clinard and Cohen suggest about the increase of crime in society?

  They suggest that an increase in crime indicates a problem within society.
• What does Merton's strain theory focus on?


  Merton's strain theory focuses on the goals society sets versus the means available to achieve them.
• What does Merton's strain theory say about the "American dream"?

  It describes the "American dream" as achievable through meritocracy, education, and hard work.
• What type of crimes does Merton's strain theory discuss?

  Merton's strain theory discusses crimes with financial or material motives.
• What are some evaluations of Durkheim's views on crime and deviance?

  • Crime divides society as much as it brings people together (e.g., riots).
  • It doesn't consider the impact of crime on victims.
  • Society has different/unique values today.
  • It doesn't explain why crime happens.