Crime & Deviance

• What is the main focus of the AQA A Level Sociology topic companion on crime and deviance?

  Functionalist explanations of crime, deviance, social order, and control
• What sociological theories should be outlined, explained, analyzed, and evaluated according to the study material?

  • Emile Durkheim on deviance and anomie
  • Robert Merton's Strain Theory
  • Travis Hirschi and Bonds of Attachment
  • Functionalist subcultural theories:
  • Albert Cohen
  • Cloward and Ohlin
  • Walter Miller
• What are the key concepts related to functionalist explanations of crime and deviance?

  • Consensus
  • Deviance
  • Anomie
  • Subculture
• Who is considered the founding father of functionalist sociology?

  Emile Durkheim
• How did Durkheim perceive society in his organic analogy?


  As akin to a human body where various organs (institutions) must function correctly
• What did Durkheim argue about deviance in society?

  That deviance is functional, normal, and inevitable
• What functions of deviance did Durkheim suggest?

  • Boundary maintenance
  • Social change
• What is value consensus according to Durkheim?

  A shared set of norms and values that the majority in society have been socialized into
• How is consensus reinforced in society according to Durkheim?

  Through the policing of the margins and the use of sanctions
• What does Durkheim mean by "policing the margins"?

  The formal and informal sanctions used to reward conformity and punish deviance
• What does Durkheim argue about deviance in a "society of saints"?

  That there would still be deviance present
• How does deviance facilitate social change according to Durkheim?

  By allowing society to respond positively to deviant behavior, leading to normalization and legal changes
• What example does Durkheim use to illustrate the function of deviance as a safety valve?

  Prostitution
• What does Durkheim suggest about the levels of deviance in pre-industrial versus modern industrial societies?

  That there was less deviance in pre-industrial societies due to mechanical solidarity
• What is anomie according to Durkheim?

  A state of normlessness or absence of social control and cohesion
• What are some criticisms of Durkheim's view on crime?

  • Realists argue crime is a real problem for victims and society.
  • Marxists question the source of consensus and its interests.
  • Other functionalists note Durkheim doesn't explain why some individuals commit crime while most do not.
• What did Robert Merton conclude about Americans and the American Dream?

  That Americans were socialized into believing in the American Dream
• What is the strain Merton refers to in his Strain Theory?

  The gap between socially-encouraged goals and the means to achieve them
• What adaptations do individuals make in response to strain according to Merton?

  • Conformist: Accepts means and goals
  • Innovator: Accepts goals, rejects means
  • Retreatist: Rejects both means and goals
  • Ritualist: Accepts means, rejects goals
  • Rebel: Rejects both and seeks new means and goals
• Which adaptation is most likely to lead to criminal activity according to Merton?

  Innovator
• What crimes might retreatists commit according to Merton?

  Illegal drug use
• What does Merton suggest about rebellion as an adaptation?

  It may lead to illegal protest or political violence
• What are some criticisms of Merton's Strain Theory?

  • Merton's concept of anomie is vague.
  • He does not consider the source of social goals.
  • He does not explain why some people find it harder to achieve goals.
  • He does not address why groups of people are deviant in the same way.
  • He does not explain non-utilitarian crime.
• What is the focus of Travis Hirschi's contribution to understanding crime and deviance?

  Why most people do not commit crimes
• What are the four "bonds of attachment" identified by Hirschi?

  They keep people linked to the value consensus and ensure social control
• What does Merton's theory fail to explain regarding non-utilitarian crimes?

  It does not explain fighting or vandalism.
• According to Merton, what might encourage someone to commit robbery?

  Inability to achieve the American Dream.
• Who proposed the concept of "bonds of attachment" in relation to crime?

  Travis Hirschi.
• What is the focus of Hirschi's theory on crime and deviance?

  Why most people do not commit crimes.
• What are the four "bonds of attachment" identified by Hirschi?

  • Attachment: Care about others' opinions.
  • Commitment: What we have to lose.
  • Involvement: Engagement in societal activities.
  • Belief: Personal moral code regarding laws.
• How does Hirschi suggest that a lack of family attachments affects crime rates?


  Those lacking attachments are more likely to commit crimes.
• What is a criticism of Hirschi's theory regarding social bonds?

  It does not explain why some have secure bonds while others are marginalized.
• What does Cohen's theory focus on in relation to crime?

  Why groups commit crimes and non-utilitarian crimes.
• What is the key idea behind subcultural theories according to Cohen?

  Deviants conform to different norms and values than mainstream society.
• How do working-class boys respond to low status in school according to Cohen?

  They form subcultures with values opposite to mainstream values.
• What are the three types of deviant subcultures identified by Cloward and Ohlin?

  • Criminal Subculture: Organized crime leading to material success.
  • Conflict Subculture: Gangs claiming territory through turf wars.
  • Retreatist Subculture: Groups dropping out and possibly abusing drugs.
• What is a criticism of Cloward and Ohlin's subculture types?

  Most criminal gangs exhibit elements of multiple subcultures.
• What concept did Walter Miller introduce regarding working-class boys?

  Focal concerns.
• What are the focal concerns described by Miller?

  • Excitement: Seeking thrill outside of work.
  • Toughness: Valuing physical strength and resilience.
• How does Cohen's theory relate to the concept of status frustration?

  It explains delinquency among working-class boys due to low status in school.