Early Functionalist

• What do functionalists accept regarding crime statistics?

  Functionalists accept official crime statistics.
• Who do functionalists believe primarily commits rising crime levels?

  Working class, young/juvenile, often black males.
• How do functionalists view deviance in relation to social stability?

  They see it as disrupting social stability but also as inevitable and beneficial.
• What do functionalists focus on when explaining crime and deviance?

  They focus on structural causal explanations and the offender's social background.
• What assumption do functionalists make about societal norms and values?

  They assume a value consensus exists over norms and values.
• What did Durkheim argue about the causes of crime and deviance?

  He argued that they are structurally caused rather than socially constructed.
• What does Durkheim identify as a key cause of deviance?

  Anomie, or normlessness in society.
• What does anomie refer to according to Durkheim?

  A loss of agreed and shared norms in society.
• During what type of social conditions does Durkheim suggest anomie typically occurs?

  During periods of rapid social change, such as revolutions.
• What example does Durkheim use to illustrate a period of rapid social change?

  The Arab Spring, starting in 2010.
• What does Durkheim claim about modern societies and anomie?

  They tend towards anomie due to increased diversity.
• Why do rules governing behavior become weaker in modern societies according to Durkheim?

  Due to increased diversity and a complex division of labor.
• What does Durkheim suggest about socialization and cultural diversity?

  Not everyone is effectively socialized, leading to cultural diversity.
• What is the significance of cultural diversity in relation to shared norms and values?

  It means that not everyone is equally committed to shared norms and values, leading to deviance.
• How did later functionalists like Erikson build on Durkheim's views?

  They developed the idea that agencies of social control may sustain a certain level of crime.
• What positive functions does Durkheim attribute to crime?

  Crime can produce societal reactions that bond members together.
• What is the aim of punishment according to Durkheim?

  To reaffirm society's shared rules and reinforce social solidarity.
• How does Durkheim view the rituals of the courtroom?

  As a way to dramatize wrongdoing and publicly shame the offender.
• What does Stanley Cohen suggest about media coverage of crime?

  It creates 'folk devils' and reinforces expected behaviors.
• How does Durkheim view social change in relation to deviance?

  He believes all social change begins with some form of deviance.
• What is necessary for change to occur according to Durkheim?

  Individuals with new ideas must challenge existing norms.
• Why might deviance be considered healthy for society?

  Because it allows for progress and adaptation to changing values.
• What ongoing debate does Durkheim's view on deviance relate to?

  The debate around euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• What do surveys indicate about public opinion on euthanasia and assisted suicide?

  Many people support euthanasia and assisted suicide in certain circumstances.
• How have judges responded to cases involving euthanasia and assisted suicide?

  Judges have been reluctant to issue custodial sentences, citing public interest.
• What does the debate around euthanasia highlight according to the study material?

  A possible need for social reform to adapt to changing social values.
• How does too much crime and deviance affect value consensus according to Durkheim?

  It can threaten the agreement of shared norms and values.
• What happens when norms and values that unite society are broken?

  There is a loss of social order and weakened social stability.
• What is Durkheim's view on social control and social order?

  He holds a positive view, seeing agencies of socialization as important for creating stability.
• How do families and schools contribute to social order according to Durkheim?

  They instill values of achievement and respect for authority.
• What role does religion play in instilling values according to Durkheim?

  It instills values such as not committing adultery.
• How does Durkheim suggest crime and deviance are controlled?

  Through negative sanctions for deviance and positive sanctions for conformity.
• What does Durkheim highlight about the explanation of crime and deviance?

  He emphasizes looking beyond the individual to structural causes.
• What criticism does Merton have of Durkheim's approach?

  He argues that Durkheim neglects cultural causes of crime and deviance.
• What do left realists claim about Durkheim's focus on crime?

  They claim he neglects the victim's perspective.
• What harm can victims of crime suffer according to the study material?

  They can suffer both physical and psychological harm.
• What does Durkheim suggest about the necessary amount of crime for society?


  He offers no way of knowing how much crime is the right amount.
• How did Merton adapt Durkheim's concept of anomie?

  He developed the first strain theory to explain deviance.
• What does Merton's strain theory take into account?

  A combination of structural and cultural factors contributing to deviance.
• What shared goals does Merton argue individuals are socialized to meet?

  The 'American/British Dream'.