Evaluating Functionalist Explanations

• What do Marxists argue about functionalist explanations of crime?

  They argue functionalists ignore law origins
• Who is a key figure associated with functionalist explanations of crime?

  Durkheim
• How do functionalists view laws according to the text?

  As reflections of society's value consensus
• What do Marxists believe about the creation of laws?

  Laws are created by the powerful state
• What do Marxists agree on regarding the state?

  The state usually serves the ruling class
• What do feminists criticize about functionalist theories of crime?

  They ignore gender issues
• What is the gender blindness in functionalist theories?

  They overlook the role of girls in subcultures
• Who raised the issue of gender in relation to crime?

  Charles Murray
• How do New Right thinkers view male criminality?

  As primarily women's fault
• What do post-modernists argue about the nature of crime?

  Crime can be pointless and driven by boredom
• What concept does Lyng develop related to crime?

  Edgework, or risk-taking behavior
• How does Katz view crime?

  As thrilling and alluring
• How can post-modernist ideas relate to functionalist theory?

  Not everyone is attracted to crime
• What does Kingsley Davis suggest about minor crime?

  It acts as a safety valve for society
• What do realists criticize about functionalist sociology of crime?

  It does not help solve real crime problems
• What is the limitation of strain theory according to realists?

  It is of limited usefulness to policymakers
• How do left realists view relative deprivation?

  As a cause of crime that needs addressing
• What do right realists support regarding social bonds?

  Hirschi's ideas on social control