Functionalism and Crime in Society

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary criticism of functionalist theories regarding their view on social stability?

They focus on the need for societal cohesion above all.

They emphasize the role of punishment and its societal impact.

They assume that deviance is always beneficial to society.

They downplay the importance of power and inequality. (correct)

How do functionalist theories view the role of punishment in society?

As a necessary evil that does more harm than good.

As a mechanism for ensuring law enforcement is effective.

As a tactic to reinforce the existing social norms. (correct)

As a tool for promoting social equality among citizens.

What aspect of deviance does functionalism tend to overlook?

The reaction of society to deviance and its consequences.

Its responses driven by exploitation or oppression. (correct)

Its potential role in promoting social cohesion.

The impact of societal deviation on community norms.

According to critics, what idealistic assumption does functionalism make about society?

That crime is merely a minor disruptor within a cohesive society. Signup and view all the answers

Which limitation of functionalist theories pertains to how deviance affects societal norms?

They ignore how deviance can challenge or reshape norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the state of normlessness described by Durkheim?

Anomie Signup and view all the answers

According to Merton's Strain Theory, deviance can occur when individuals:

Lack legitimate means to achieve culturally approved goals Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of adaptation involves rejecting both the goals and means?

Retreatism Signup and view all the answers

Albert Cohen's theory primarily addresses which group’s response to status frustration?

Working-class youth Signup and view all the answers

Cloward and Ohlin's Differential Opportunity Theory suggests that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds have access to different:

Criminal subcultures Signup and view all the answers

In Strain Theory, the concept of the 'American Dream' illustrates how:

Lack of access to success can lead to deviance Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation involves accepting both societal goals and means?

Conformity Signup and view all the answers

The formation of delinquent subcultures by working-class youth is explained by:

Cohen's Status Frustration Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does functionalism suggest about crime and deviance?

They play a necessary role in maintaining social order. Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim, what function does crime serve in society?

It serves as a 'safety valve' for societal pressures. Signup and view all the answers

How does crime contribute to social integration, according to functionalism?

By uniting society in disapproval of criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'boundary setting' refer to in Durkheim's views on crime?

Clarifying acceptable behaviors through societal reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of crime, according to Durkheim?

Creating social disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does functionalism see as a major influence on behavior?

The organized framework of society. Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalist views, why is crime considered inevitable?

All societies have individuals who deviate from norms. Signup and view all the answers

How can deviance lead to social change, according to Durkheim?

By challenging and reevaluating existing norms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalism in Crime and Deviance

Functionalism views society as interconnected parts, each contributing to stability.
Crime and deviance are considered normal and necessary for maintaining social order.
Social structure shapes individual behavior.
Social order is maintained through shared norms, values, and institutions.
Consensus exists among members of society regarding norms and values.
Function refers to the role a social structure or action plays in maintaining stability.

Durkheim's Views on Crime

Emile Durkheim believed crime is inevitable and normal in all societies.
Some individuals will always break social norms, even in well-ordered societies.
Crime serves a function in maintaining social order.
Crime is a "safety valve," allowing for some release of tension and potential for change.
Deviance can spark social change by challenging norms and leading to their re-evaluation.

The Function of Crime

Crime and deviance bring people together in reaction against it.
Deviance clarifies and reinforces societal norms and values.
Punishment reminds all of acceptable behavior.

Merton's Strain Theory

Merton expanded on Durkheim's ideas with Strain Theory.
Societal structures can encourage deviance when individuals cannot achieve culturally-approved goals via legitimate means.
Merton used the American Dream as an example of a societal expectation that may lead to deviance.
Individuals adapt to societal pressures in different ways.

Modes of Individual Adaptation

Conformity: Accepting both goals and means.
Innovation: Accepting goals, rejecting means (often through crime).
Ritualism: Rejecting goals, adhering to means.
Retreatism: Rejecting both goals and means (e.g., drug addiction).
Rebellion: Rejecting both, seeking change.

Subcultural Theories

Cohen's Status Frustration theory focuses on working-class youth experiencing frustration by not achieving socially valued success.
This frustration leads to the formation of delinquent subcultures where deviant behavior is valued.
Cloward and Ohlin's Differential Opportunity Theory proposes that lower socioeconomic groups have access to different subcultures providing deviant opportunities.
These opportunities include criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures.

Evaluation of Functionalist Theories

Overemphasis on Stability: Critics argue functionalism overlooks power imbalances and inequalities.
Ignores the Impact of Punishment: It doesn't adequately examine the potential harm or reinforcement of social inequalities through punishment.
Overlooks Conflict: The theory downplays conflict in favor of consensus.
Idealistic Assumptions: It assumes broad societal consensus and underestimates the disruptive power of crime.

Conclusion

Functionalism provides insights into crime maintenance.
It highlights how societal norms, rules, and reactions can promote stability and integration.
However, functionalist theories are limited by overlooking power imbalances, inequality, and negative consequences.
Despite limitations, functionalism remains influential in the study of crime.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of functionalism and its perspective on crime and deviance. This quiz delves into Durkheim's views on the role of crime in maintaining social order and how deviance contributes to societal stability. Test your understanding of how social structures influence behavior and the necessity of crime in society.