Functionalist theories of crime - Durkheim

Functionalism is a structural theory that focuses on socialisation, and the norms and values of society, when explaining crime.

Durkhei claimed that society itself is stable due to the shared norms and values about what behaviour is and is not accepted.

Society is harmonious and people can feel like they belong and contribute to it.

However, there will always be people who deviate from the norms and values of society.

When more people commit crime, and norms and values are weakened, 'anomie' occurs.

In other…