Crime : AO3 Functionalism

• +It explains why people conform or deviate to social norms
• +It explains different types of deviance, especially according to social class
• -Merton does not explain why some people become innovators and others rebel or retreat
• -The theory is focused on economic gain - does not explain violent or senseless crimes
• -It ignores the power struggles in society and doesn't look at who makes the rules and laws, which then define crime and deviance
• +It recognises the importance of socialisation.
• +It response to the criticisms of Merton’s and other theories that not all youths reject the value consensus - social bonds theory assumes that those who commit crimes have broken away from the bonds and values of mainstream society.
• -It doesn’t explain why all people with weak bonds don’t turn to crime.
• -It doesn’t explain that it is possible to be both deviant and to have strong social bonds, such as those guilty of corporate crime and middle-class drug dealers.
• -It puts everyone in the line of suspicion, all people are potential criminals; this creates higher surveillance which further undermines trust in the police and the justice system, which weakens social bonds.
• + It recognises the importance of socialisation.
• +It responds to the criticisms of Merton's and other theories that not all youths reject the value consensus - social bond theory assumes that those who commit crimes have broken away from the bonds and values of mainstream society.
• -It doesn't explain why all people with weak bonds don't turn to crime.
• -It doesn't explain that it is possible to be both deviant and to have strong social bonds, such as those guilty of corporate crime and middle-class drug dealers.
• -It puts everyone in the line of suspicion - all people are potential criminals; this creates higher surveillance which in turn undermines trust in the police and justice system, whichweakens social bonds.