Functionalism

• What is the main focus of functionalism in relation to crime and deviance?

  Functions crime performs for society
• How do blocked opportunities lead to deviance according to functionalism?

  They create frustration and pressure to deviate
• Why are there different types of delinquent subcultures?

  Due to varying responses to blocked opportunities
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of functionalist, strain, and subcultural theories?

  Strengths:

  • Explain patterns in crime statistics
  • Highlight social factors influencing deviance

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ignore individual victim experiences
  • Overemphasize societal functions of crime
• How do functionalists view society?

  As a stable system based on value consensus
• What are the two ways society achieves social solidarity?

  Socialisation and social control
• What does Durkheim call the state of normlessness in society?


  Anomie
• What is the function of boundary maintenance in crime?

  It unites society against deviance
• How does punishment contribute to social solidarity?

  By reaffirming shared rules and values
• How does Durkheim view the relationship between deviance and social change?


  Deviance is necessary for social change
• What does Davis argue about prostitution?


  It acts as a safety valve for men's desires
• What does Cohen argue about working-class boys in education?


  They face anomie in a middle-class system
• What are Merton's five adaptations to strain?


  Conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion
• How does Merton explain the higher rates of working-class crime?


  Due to less opportunity for legitimate wealth
• What does Cohen mean by status frustration?


  Working-class boys feel deprived of status
• What are Cloward and Ohlin's three types of subcultures?


  Criminal, conflict, retreatist
• What characterizes criminal subcultures according to Cloward and Ohlin?


  Stable adult criminals train youths
• What is the focus of conflict subcultures?


  Violence and turf wars among gangs
• Who are considered 'double failures' in retreatist subcultures?


  Those failing in both legitimate and illegitimate means
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Cloward and Ohlin's theory?


  Strengths:

  • Explains different types of working-class deviance
  • Considers subcultural influences on crime

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ignores crimes of the wealthy
  • Overpredicts working-class crime
• How does Cohen's view differ from Merton's regarding deviance?


  Cohen focuses on group deviance, not individual
• What is the overall evaluation of the functionalist view of crime?

  • Highlights societal functions of crime
  • Criticized for ignoring individual victimization
  • Overemphasizes positive aspects of deviance