Functionalism and Crime Theory

The shared values and beliefs that guide the actions of individuals in a society. It distinguishes between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

A state of normlessness or social instability where traditional values and norms are weakened, leading to a breakdown in social order.

Merton's theory that explains how individuals may resort to crime when there's a gap between societal goals and the legitimate means of achieving them.

The belief that social structures, like societal norms and institutions, influence individual behavior.

A state of agreement amongst members of a society regarding values, beliefs, and norms.

The American Dream, characterized by material success, wealth, and a high standard of living.

The act of reaffirming social boundaries and values by highlighting and condemning deviant behavior.

The pressure individuals feel when they lack the opportunities or resources to achieve societal goals through legitimate means.

The view that crime is inevitable in society and can have both positive and negative functions.

Individuals who accept both societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve them.

The concept that crime serves to solidify social norms and values by demonstrating the consequences of breaking them.

Individuals who pursue societal goals but use illegitimate means. They want success but lack the proper resources.

The idea that criminal behavior is influenced by social factors, rather than biological factors.

Individuals who abandon the goal of success but still follow traditional norms and values. They are stuck in the game but have given up on winning.

Individuals who reject both societal goals and legitimate means, withdrawing from society. They've given up on the game and don't play.

Early criminologists attempted to explain crime using biological factors, such as physical characteristics.

A subculture that rejects the dominant values of society and creates its own set of standards.

This is the idea that certain types of deviance can actually be beneficial to society, as they reinforce social norms and help define boundaries.

This is the idea that deviant acts can earn status within an anti-school subculture because they defy the norms of the dominant culture.

Cohen argues that anti-school subcultures invert traditional values. This means they flip the values of the school on their head, making what's seen as wrong in school, right in the subculture.

The ruling class, according to Marx, who own the means of production and hold power in society.

The working class, according to Marx, who are exploited by the bourgeoisie and lack control over their lives.

People who reject the goals of society but pursue alternative goals through illegitimate means. They challenge the established norms and use rebellious methods to achieve their objectives. Examples include individuals involved in revolutions or protests that advocate for social change.

A type of deviance where individuals accept the goals of society but use illegitimate means to achieve them. They prioritize achieving success through any means possible, even if it involves breaking the law.

A type of deviance where individuals reject the goals of society but continue to use legitimate means to achieve them. They may feel disillusioned by the system but still comply with societal expectations.

The most common form of behavior, where individuals accept both the goals and the means of achieving them. They follow the rules and strive for success through conventional methods.

The idea that some people reject both the goals of society and the legitimate means of achieving them, instead opting for a life outside of societal norms.

A person who rejects the goals of society and the legitimate means of achieving them, but actively challenges and seeks to change the system.

The idea that in some communities, criminal activities are organized and structured, providing opportunities for individuals to rise within the criminal hierarchy.

This idea suggests that in communities where organized crime isn't prevalent, youth are more likely to resort to violence due to lack of legitimate opportunities or positive role models.

This theory argues that working-class youth, due to limited access to education and opportunities, are more likely to turn to deviant behavior.

A system of opportunities provided to individuals for achieving societal goals through legitimate means, like education and employment.

A system of opportunities for achieving societal goals through illegal means, often found in certain communities.

This theory explains why some people turn to crime by suggesting that they may be more likely to engage in illegal activities if they lack access to legitimate opportunities.

A subculture that forms when individuals lack the opportunity or ability to achieve societal goals through conventional means and end up rejecting both the goals and the legitimate means to achieve them. Individuals who fit this subculture often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their frustration and disillusionment.

A theory that suggests that individuals turn to crime when they are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Rather than accepting their limitations, they adapt by finding alternative ways to achieve their desired outcome.

Describes an alternative opportunity structure that offers individuals who lack conventional opportunities a way to gain status, income, and a sense of belonging. It's based on the idea that gang life can provide a structure and sense of purpose for those living in deprived neighborhoods.

A critique of Venkatesh's work, suggesting that his focus on the positive aspects – like the opportunity structure - of gang life ignores the negative consequences, such as violence, victimization, and the potential for exploitation.

The function of crime in society is to reinforce social norms and values. When individuals break the law and are punished, it sends a message to others that these norms are important and should be followed.

Venkatesh argues that while illegal drug-selling gangs may be considered criminal, they can also provide essential services for members who lack access to them in their impoverished community. This suggests that crime can be functional for individuals in deprived neighborhoods, providing a sense of purpose and even basic needs.