'Crime is functional'

• What are the two prominent sociological perspectives on crime discussed in the study material?

  Functionalism and Marxism
• What is a key critique that Marxists have against the functionalist view of crime?

  Marxists critique the functionalist view by arguing that it ignores the root causes of crime in societal inequalities.
• What are the potential functions of crime according to functionalist Durkheim?

  - Boundary maintenance

  - Social cohesion

  - Social change

  - Economic contributions
• What is one example of how crime can lead to social change?

  Public outrage following a high-profile crime can lead to new laws or increased community vigilance.
• How do functionalists view crime in society?

  Functionalists see crime as potentially functional for society, contributing to stability and social cohesion.
• How do Marxists view the law in relation to crime?

  Marxists view laws as tools of the ruling class used to maintain their power and control.
• What ethical considerations arise when discussing crime as functional?

  Viewing crime as functional may justify harm to individuals and communities, particularly those from the working class.
• What does the concept of differential impact refer to in the context of crime?

  Differential impact refers to how the effects of crime and its functions vary across different social groups.
• What is a balanced conclusion regarding the functionalist and Marxist perspectives on crime?

  A balanced conclusion acknowledges that while crime may have some functional aspects, it is crucial to address the underlying societal inequalities that contribute to criminal behavior.
• Why is it important to synthesize different perspectives on crime?

  Synthesizing different perspectives helps to recognize the complexity of crime as a social phenomenon and address its various causes and effects.
• How might crime serve as a tool for social cohesion according to functionalists?

  Crime can unite society against a common enemy, reinforcing social bonds among members.
• What role does economic determinism play in the Marxist view of crime?

  Economic determinism suggests that criminal behavior is largely attributed to economic disparities and lack of opportunities.
• What is the relationship between crime and social norms according to functionalists?

  Crime helps define moral boundaries and reinforces social norms in society.
• How do functionalists view the relationship between crime and social change?

  Functionalists believe that crime can highlight societal issues, potentially leading to beneficial changes.
• In what way might the functionalist perspective on crime be seen as idealistic?

  Functionalists may be seen as idealistic because they overlook the negative impacts of crime on individuals, particularly those affected by societal inequalities.
• What is the significance of addressing systemic inequalities in the context of crime?

  Addressing systemic inequalities is crucial for understanding the root causes of crime and preventing criminal behavior.
• How does the concept of alienation relate to crime in the Marxist perspective?

  Alienation in the capitalist system can lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a response to their disconnection from society.
• How do functionalists view crime in society?

  Functionalists see crime as potentially functional for society, contributing to stability and social cohesion.
• What do Marxists argue is the primary cause of crime?

  Marxists argue that crime is a result of societal inequalities and oppression inherent in the capitalist system.
• What is a key critique that Marxists have against the functionalist view of crime?

  Marxists critique the functionalist view by arguing that it ignores the root causes of crime in societal inequalities.
• What are the potential functions of crime according to functionalists?

  - Boundary maintenance - Social cohesion - Social change - Economic contributions
• How do Marxists view the law in relation to crime?

  Marxists view laws as tools of the ruling class used to maintain their power and control.
• What ethical considerations arise when discussing crime as functional?

  Viewing crime as functional may justify harm to individuals and communities, particularly those from the working class.
• What are the key points of the Marxist critique of crime?

  - Class conflict - Economic determinism - Critique of law as a tool of the ruling class - Alienation leading to criminal behavior
• What does the concept of differential impact refer to in the context of crime?

  Differential impact refers to how the effects of crime and its functions vary across different social groups.
• How might crime serve as a tool for social cohesion according to functionalists?

  Crime can unite society against a common enemy, reinforcing social bonds among members.
• What is a balanced conclusion regarding the functionalist and Marxist perspectives on crime?

  A balanced conclusion acknowledges that while crime may have some functional aspects, it is crucial to address the underlying societal inequalities that contribute to criminal behavior.
• How do functionalists view the relationship between crime and social change?

  Functionalists believe that crime can highlight societal issues, potentially leading to beneficial changes.
• In what way might the functionalist perspective on crime be seen as idealistic?

  Functionalists may be seen as idealistic because they overlook the negative impacts of crime on individuals, particularly those affected by societal inequalities.
• What is the significance of addressing systemic inequalities in the context of crime?

  Addressing systemic inequalities is crucial for understanding the root causes of crime and preventing criminal behavior.
• How does the concept of alienation relate to crime in the Marxist perspective?

  Alienation in the capitalist system can lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a response to their disconnection from society.
• What role does economic determinism play in the Marxist view of crime?

  Economic determinism suggests that criminal behavior is largely attributed to economic disparities and lack of opportunities.