Functionalist

• Who proposed the functionalist view of crime and deviance?

  Durkheim
• What is one function of crime according to Durkheim?

  It re-affirms boundaries of acceptable behavior
• How does crime serve a collective purpose in society?

  By reaffirming societal norms through trials
• What are 'functional rebels' according to Durkheim?

  People who provoke positive social change
• What negative consequences does Durkheim associate with excessive crime?

  Excessive egoism and anomie
• What is excessive egoism?

  Weak collective conscience leading to selfishness
• In what type of societies does excessive egoism mainly occur?

  Industrial societies
• What is anomie?

  Loss of norms during social change
• How does Durkheim view the relationship between crime and social order?

  Crime is integral to maintaining social order
• What criticism do Marxists have of Durkheim's view on crime?

  He exaggerates societal consensus and conflict
• What concept did Merton develop from Durkheim's idea of anomie?

  Social class variations in crime
• What is the cultural goal in Western societies according to Merton?

  Attainment of money or material success
• How does Merton describe the American Dream?

  Success regardless of background
• What gap does Merton identify in society?

  Between cultural goals and means to achieve them
• What happens to groups with blocked opportunities according to Merton?

  They may experience anomie and commit crimes
• What are Merton's five adaptations to strain?

  1. Conformity: Obeying laws and striving for success.
  2. Innovation: Using illegitimate means for success.
  3. Ritualism: Finding satisfaction in jobs without success.
  4. Retreatism: Rejecting goals and means, engaging in deviance.
  5. Rebellion: Rejecting goals and means for ideological reasons.
• How does Young use Merton's ideas?

  Crime results from 'bulimic societies'
• What does Sumner argue about Merton's findings?

  Alienation causes crime in capitalist societies
• What is social control?

  Process to prevent or respond to crime
• What is the belief underlying the definition of deviance and crime?

  Society is consensual with shared values
• What does Durkheim say about laws and definitions of crime?

  They reflect majority consensus on behavior
• What is the basis for social order according to Durkheim?

  Strong collective conscience and fair legal system
• How does Durkheim view crime in a society of saints?

  Minor acts would still be seen as deviant
• What are the key aspects of Durkheim's functionalist view of crime?

  • Crime serves a collective purpose.
  • Reaffirms societal norms and boundaries.
  • Can provoke positive social change.
  • Excessive crime leads to negative consequences.
  • Strong collective conscience is essential for social order.
• What are the criticisms of Merton's theory of crime?

  • Fails to explain why some commit crime.
  • Doesn't address non-economic crimes.
  • Overlooks individual motivations beyond economic success.
  • Lacks clarity on why some conform or retreat.
• What is the role of social solidarity in Durkheim's theory?

  It fosters a sense of belonging in society
• What is the discussion question regarding crime in society?

  Is crime a natural part of a healthy society?