Durkheim on Deviance

• Who is often seen as the founding father of functionalist sociology?

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

  As akin to a human body
• What does Durkheim argue about excessive deviance?

  It could indicate an unhealthy society
• What are the two functions of deviance suggested by Durkheim?

  Boundary maintenance and social change
• What is a value consensus according to Durkheim?

  A shared set of norms and values
• How is the value consensus reinforced in society?

  Through policing of the margins
• What role does shared disapproval of deviant behavior play in society?

  It strengthens social solidarity
• What does Durkheim argue about deviance in a "society of saints"?

  There would still be deviance
• How does deviance facilitate social change?

  By allowing society to respond positively
• What does Durkheim suggest about the amount of deviance in society?

  Too much or too little is harmful
• What type of solidarity did Durkheim associate with pre-industrial society?

  Mechanical solidarity
• How does modern industrialized society affect deviance?

  It increases the likelihood of deviance
• What is anomie according to Durkheim?

  Normlessness or absence of social control
• What do realists criticize about Durkheim's view on crime?

  That crime is normal and functional
• What do Marxists argue about Durkheim's consensus?

  It serves the interests of the ruling class
• What do other functionalists note about Durkheim's explanation of crime?

  It doesn't explain individual criminal behavior
• What is the term Durkheim uses to describe the absence of social control?

  Anomie
• What does Durkheim's organic analogy imply about social institutions?

  They must function correctly for society's health
• How does Durkheim view the relationship between deviance and social change?

  Deviance can initiate positive social change
• What do critics argue about the sociology of crime and deviance?

  It should inform policy-makers on prevention