Durkheim's View on Crime

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Questions and Answers

Emile Durkheim believed that crime is a sign of a unhealthy society.

False (B)

According to Durkheim, what is the primary reason why crime is present in all societies?

The need for social change
The failure of social institutions
The inherent wickedness of humans
The nature of social life itself (correct)

What does Durkheim mean when he describes crime as a 'factor in public health'?

Durkheim implies that crime plays a role in maintaining social order and cohesion by reinforcing moral boundaries and promoting social change.

Durkheim argues that crime is not simply an inevitable problem but an ______ part of a healthy social system.

integral Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Deviance = Any behavior that violates social norms Pathological = Abnormal or diseased Normal = Characteristic of or conforming to a standard Criminality = The state of being a criminal Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim, what role does crime play in society?

It is a normal and necessary element for social change and evolution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim believes that crime is entirely pathological and should be completely eliminated from society.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What example does Durkheim use to demonstrate that crime can be a catalyst for societal progress?

The case of Socrates, who was condemned for his independent thought, but ultimately contributed to the advancement of humanity and his own society. Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim argues that crime is not a __ element in society, but rather a _ role in social life.

Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim believes that a society completely devoid of crime is a desirable and achievable goal.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of crime in society, as described by Durkheim?

Durkheim sees crime as a 'normal' element of society, playing a functional role in promoting social change and evolution. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions as presented in the text:

Crime = A necessary force for societal evolution and change. Collective Sentiments = The shared beliefs and values that guide a society. Socrates = An example of a criminal whose actions ultimately contributed to the betterment of society. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, the complete absence of crime is a sign of a healthy society.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author believe that a society exempt from crime is "utterly impossible"?

Because strong collective sentiments, which define crime, cannot exist without opposing sentiments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that the lack of crime would lead to a greater ______ of the collective sentiments that define morality.

intensity Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the author uses the example of "bad taste" to illustrate their point about the necessary evolution of morality and law.

The author argues that bad taste, while a violation of societal values, is tolerated more than robbery because the collective sentiment against it is weaker. However, as those values become stronger, acts like bad taste might be considered criminal and punished accordingly, showing how the line between morality and crime can evolve over time. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their corresponding explanations:

Crime = Acts that offend strong collective sentiments and are deemed harmful to society. Collective Sentiments = Shared values and beliefs that guide a society's moral compass. Moral Evolution = The gradual change and development of societal values and norms over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument regarding the role of crime in society?

Crime is a necessary catalyst for the evolution of morality and law. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that crime is beneficial solely because it allows for the evolution of morality and law.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author states that crime is "bound up with the ______ conditions of all social life."

fundamental Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the argument the author makes about the relationship between crime and the strength of collective sentiments in society.

The author argues that strong collective sentiments are essential for the maintenance of social order, but they must also be flexible to evolve. Crime, by challenging these sentiments, forces them to become more intense and thus more resilient to change. However, if these sentiments become too strong, they can stifle individual originality and impede progress. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason given by the author for why crime is considered necessary?

It serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, ensuring the safety of society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that a society filled with "exemplary individuals" would be entirely free of crime.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author argues that the strength of collective sentiments must have a ______ energy so that they can adapt to change.

moderate Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the author uses the example of acts of violence against persons to illustrate their point about the evolution of morality and law.

The author notes that acts of violence were more frequent in the past because respect for individual dignity was less strong. As this sentiment has grown stronger, such crimes have become rarer. However, even more acts that now violate this sentiment have become criminalized, highlighting the dynamic nature of morality and law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's overall tone in this passage?

Analytical and objective (C) Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that crime is a negative force in society.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author concludes that crime is not only necessary but also ______ for a healthy and evolving society.

useful Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Crime as a normal element

Durkheim argues that crime is a normal part of society, helping to adapt and instigate changes.

Role of crime in society

Criminals serve a purpose by reflecting societal values and potentially guiding future morals.