Functionalism and crime

• Durkheim


  Crime is inevitable and apart of society.

  Provides two functions:

  • Boundary function - tells society where to draw the line
  • Facilitates change - not everyone is committed to value consensus

  Three types of deviant:

  • Biological
  • Functional rebel
  • Skewed deviant
• Merton


  Strain theory - when an individual can't achieve goals through legitimate means (work, education), they turn to illegitimate means (drugs, theft) to achieve this.
• Erikson


  Challenges idea of boundary function. Value consensus is defined by the elite. The ruling class rarely ever get sent to prison
• Cohen


  Status frustration creates a delinquent subculture
• Cloward and Ohlin


  Illegitimate opportunity structures:

  • Criminal
  • Conflict
  • Retreatist
• Miller


  Deviancy is linked to the culture of lower class male. Status insecurity
• Underclass


  The welfare state generates an underclass that reliant on benefits, creating a dependency culture. Rejects mainstream values and characterised by crime and deviancy
• Matza


  Delinquency drift - Deviant acts are choices. They are:

  • Intermittent
  • Casual
  • Given up
  • Exciting
• Chicago school


  Zone 2 - It depends on where you live over whether you will commit crime or not