Based upon the dependance individuals have on each other in more advanced societies
What are two criticisms of Durkheim's functionalist theory?
-This theory isn't clear on who crime is 'functional' for
-Crime may not lead it socialsolidarity, it may cause people to be more isolated e.g forcing women to stay inside for fear of attack
What are two strengths of Durkheim's functionalist theory?
-Reinforces norms and values
-Punishment does deter people from crime
What did Davis believe is another function of crime?
He believed that prostitution acts as a safetyvalve for the release of men'ssexualfrustrations without threatening the nuclear family
Why are very high and very low levels of crime bad according to Durkheim?
-Too much crime threatens to tear the bonds of society apart
-Too little means that society is repressing and controlling its members too much & preventingchange
What is adaptation and change?
For change to occur, individuals with new ideas must challenge existing norms, and at first this will appear as deviance
If this is suppressed society will be unable to make adaptive changes and will stagnate
What is boundary maintenance?
Crime produces a reaction from society that unites them against the wrongdoer
Reaffirms society's shared rules and reinforcessocial solidarity. Publicly shaming the offender discourages others from doing the same
What are 2 of the 4 positive functions of crime according to Durkheim?
Boundary maintenance & adaption and change
What 2 reasons is crime found in all societies?
-Not everyone is equally and effectively socialised into the shared norms and values
-Theres a diversity of lifestyles and values
What are the 2 key mechanisms for society achieving solidarity?
Socialisation instils the shared culture onto its members. This ensures they internalise the same norms and values to ensure they behave the way society expects
Socialcontrolmechanisms include rewards for conformity and punishments for deviance to ensure they behave the way society expects
How do functionalists see deviance?
Although it disrupts social stability, they see it as inevitable & beneficial
What is a statistic that relates to Ethnicity?
Black people are 3x more likely top be arrested than white people
What is a statistic that relates to Gender?
85% of people arrested are male and 95% of people in prison are male
What is a statistic that relates to Age?
15-17 year olds make up 80% of offenders
What is a statistic that relates to Class?
Working Class commit more violent crime (robbery, theft, assault) & Middle Class commit more financial crimes (fraud & tax evasion)
Deviance
An act that goes against societalnorms and is seen as bad
Crime
An act punishable by law
What is another function of crime?
Cohen - deviance acts as a warning that aspects of society are failing and need to be changed so they serve their function more effectively