Functionalist, strain & subculture theories
- Created by: cashj244
- Created on: 16-06-17 20:09
Durkheim & functionalist theory of crime -
- Inevitable and universal
- Durkheim sees crime as a normal part of all healthy societies
Durkheim - crime fulfills two important positive functions
1. Boundary maintenance -
Crime unites it's members against the wrongdoer and reinforcing their commitment to the value consensus.
Sets an example, shows everyone the difference between right and wrong
2. Adaption and change - All change starts as deviance
For change to occur, individuals with new ideas may challenge existing forms, at first this may seem deviant,
Davis - safety valve
Cohen - warning light
Criticisms of Durkheim -
- Durkheim states society needs a certain amount of deviance but doesn't state just how much
- Just because crime is a function, it doesn't explain why there is crime in the first place
Merton's strain theory - Crime is a result of not being able to gain status in society
- Structural factor - society's unequal opportunity structure
- Cultural factor - strong emphasis on success goal and weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to achieve
The America Dream - Merton
'money success' - Americans are expected to pursue this success, using legitimate means.
This ideology claims American…
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