Functionalism

• Functionalist Anomie

  Durkheim

  people regard social expectations and to respect others as unimportant

  return to their natural state of greed and self interest - this is dangerous for all
• Functionalist Social cohesion

  Durkheim

  ways in which societies reaffirm their values and ensure social cohesion

  this is through education- teaching a common language, history etc
• Functionalist society of saints

  Durkheim

  a utopian society where there might be no murder or robbery but there still would be deviance as the general standards of behaviour would be so high the slightest slip up would be a serious offense
• Functionalist inevitable

  Durkheim

  a limited amount of crime is necessary and beneficial to society
• Functionalist bonds strengthened

  Durkheim

  feelings of mutual horror and fear brings society together
• Functionalist safety valve

  Durkheim

  deviance is a relatively harmless expression of discontent and so social order is protected.

  Cohen suggests prostitution is a safety valve
• Functionalist deviance indicates when society is malfunctioning

  Cohen

  certain deviant acts are a useful warning device to indicate aspects of society is malfunctioning - this draws attention to a problem and leads to measures to solve it
• Criticisms of Durkheim

  • doesn't explain why certain people are more likely to commit crime
  • ignores the concept of power and believes the law reflects the interests of the majority of the population
  • who is crime functional for ?