Functionalism

• What does functionalism argue?

  Crime is a positive for society
• What is a value consensus?

  Us all sharing the same norms and values
• What is boundary maintenance?

  Telling us what is right and wrong within society
• What is adaption and change?

  Changing our behaviour
• What does crime tell us?

  Our boundaries
• What is a critisim of functionalism?

  Too much crime is bad , too little crime is bad- functionalism doesn't tell us what the right amount of crime is
• What is society?

  Mentocratic: Everyone has the possiblity to succeed and be socially mobile- everyone wants high life changes (the american dream)
• Crime is functional for society in 4 ways?

  Reinforces our value consensus

  Acts as a safety valve

  As a warning device

  The creation of jobs
• Durkheim does not actually look at what the causes of crime might be- just what it is (functional, healthy, universal, inevitable and relative)
• Ignores the vicitms of the crimes
• Durkheim suggests that crime/deviance strengthens social solidarity- but overlooks how it can isolate people- the elderly may fear leaving their homes due to crime
• Durkheim argues that a certain amount of crime/deviance is healthy for society- but doesn't indicate whats the right amount.