Functionalist Theory of Crime

• What do Functionalists see society as based on?

  Value consensus
• How do shared values contribute to society according to Functionalists?

  They produce social solidarity
• What mechanisms does society use to achieve social solidarity?

  • Socialisation
  • Social Control
• How do Functionalists view crime and deviance?

  As positive and integral to society
• What are the two reasons Functionalists give for crime being integral to society?

  1. Not all are equally socialised
  2. Diversity of lifestyles and values exists
• What does Functionalists' concept of anomie refer to?

  Normlessness in modern society
• What does Durkheim argue about crime in modern societies?

  Crime is inevitable
• What type of solidarity characterizes traditional societies according to Durkheim?

  Mechanical solidarity
• What type of solidarity characterizes modern societies according to Durkheim?

  Organic solidarity
• What are the two reasons why crime and deviance are found in all societies according to Durkheim?

  1. Unequal socialisation into norms and values
  2. Diversity of lifestyles and values leading to subcultures
• What does Durkheim say about the rules governing behavior in modern societies?

  They become weaker and less clear-cut
• What does Durkheim argue about the relationship between crime and social bonds?

  Too much crime threatens social bonds
• What does Davis argue about certain crimes like prostitution?

  They act as a safety valve
• What does Polsky argue about pornography?

  It channels sexual needs safely
• According to Cohen, what does crime signal in society?

  That something is wrong
• How does crime serve as a coping mechanism during transitions?

  It allows misbehavior during transitions
• What are the positive functions of crime according to Durkheim?

  • Boundary maintenance
  • Adaptation and change
• What does Durkheim argue about the levels of crime in society?

  Neither very high nor very low is desirable
• What does Merton's strain theory suggest about crime and deviance?

  They indicate a poor fit between goals and means
• What are the five responses to strain according to Merton?

  1. Conformity
  2. Innovation
  3. Ritualism
  4. Retreatism
  5. Rebellion
• How does Merton's theory explain crime in capitalist societies?

  It shows capitalist structure causes crime
• What criticism do Marxists have of Merton's theory?

  It ignores the power of the ruling class
• What does Valier argue about Merton's emphasis on monetary success?

  He exaggerates its importance in lives
• What does Merton fail to explain regarding crime motivations?

  Non-economically motivated crimes
• What is an example of a crime acting as a safety valve?

  Prostitution
• What is an example of a crime acting as a warning signal?

  High truancy rates
• What is the exam question regarding functionalists and crime?

  Outline two reasons why functionalists see crime as inevitable
• What are the possible answers for the exam question on functionalists?

  Strain between goals and means
• What is another possible answer for the exam question on functionalists?

  Diversity of lifestyles in complex societies
• What is the last possible answer for the exam question on functionalists?

  Not everyone is adequately socialised
• What is the significance of Durkheim's theory of crime?

  • Recognizes social dimension of crime
  • Explains unhealthy crime levels
  • Does not focus on "sick" individuals
• What are the limitations of Durkheim's theory?

  • Does not explain individual motivations
  • Assumes harmony in society
  • Over-emphasizes consensus degree