Functionalists on Crime and Deviance

• What is the functionalist perspective on crime according to Durkheim?

  Crime has positive functions that strengthen collective values and can lead to social change.
• How does crime strengthen collective values according to Durkheim?

  It unites people in moral outrage against deviant actions.
• What role do deviant actions play in social change according to Durkheim?


  Deviant actions can lead to social change, as exemplified by movements like the suffragettes.
• What is one function of crime as a safety valve according to Durkheim?

  It relieves societal stresses through protests and riots.
• How does crime act as a warning device in society according to Durkheim?

  It indicates that current social control measures are not effective.
• What is a criticism of Durkheim's perspective on crime?

  Marxists and feminists argue that not everyone is punished equally.
• What assumption does Durkheim's functionalist perspective make about norms and values?

  It assumes that norms and values are universal across society.
• What does Merton's strain theory expand upon from Durkheim's concept of anomie?

  It explains that people commit crime to achieve the 'American dream' due to inequality of access.
• What are the five types of responses to strain according to Merton's strain theory?

  Conform, Innovate, Ritualize, Retreat, Rebel.
• What does the 'Conform' response in Merton's strain theory entail?

  Working hard in acceptable channels to achieve goals.
• What does the 'Innovate' response in Merton's strain theory involve?

  Finding new ways to achieve goals, which may include criminal activities.
• What does the 'Ritualize' response in Merton's strain theory mean?

  Following rules obsessively while abandoning hope of success.
• What does the 'Retreat' response in Merton's strain theory signify?

  Rejecting society and success as an aim.
• What does the 'Rebel' response in Merton's strain theory entail?

  Creating a new set of goals and relationships that differ from societal norms.
• According to Merton's strain theory, what is the source of crime?


  Crime arises from the structure of society.
• What assumption does Merton's strain theory make about societal goals?

  It assumes that everyone's goals are the same.
• What is a limitation of Merton's strain theory regarding types of crime?

  It does not explain non-material crimes, such as graffiti.
• What does Hirschi's control theory suggest about law-breaking behavior?

  It occurs due to a breakdown of societal bonds.
• What are the four components of societal bonds in Hirschi's control theory?

  1. Attachment – caring about others' opinions and desires
  2. Belief – commitment to upholding society's rules and laws
  3. Commitment – personal investment in life
  4. Involvement – participation in conventional activities
• What is the first component of societal bonds in Hirschi's control theory?

  Attachment
• What is the second component of societal bonds in Hirschi's control theory?


  Belief
• What is the third component of societal bonds in Hirschi's control theory?

  Commitment
• What is the fourth component of societal bonds in Hirschi's control theory?

  Involvement
• Why is social control essential in society?

  Without social control, there would be anarchy and chaos.
• What are positive and negative sanctions in social control?

  Positive sanctions reward expected behavior, while negative sanctions punish deviant behavior.
• What are formal methods of social control?

  Formal methods of social control are enforced by official institutions to deter crime through legal consequences.