Functionalism and Crime Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of people who engage in rebellion according to the provided information?

They accept the societal goal of success.

They reject the societal goal of success. (correct)

They conform to societal norms.

They use legitimate means to achieve their goals.

Which of the following is an example of innovation as described in the content?

Mafia operations. (correct)

Politicians running for office.

Workers in stable jobs.

Protests for civil rights.

What type of adaptation rejects the goal of success but still uses legitimate means?

Ritualism (correct)

Conformity

Innovation

Rebellion

Which historical figures exemplify rebellion through their rejection of society's goals?

Karl Marx and Martin Luther King. Signup and view all the answers

How do the means used by gangsters compare to those used by conformists?

Gangsters use illegitimate means while conformists use legitimate means. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason working class youth are more likely to deviate from mainstream norms and values?

Higher pressure to succeed due to fewer legitimate opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What does 'illegitimate opportunity structure' refer to?

The availability of illegal means to achieve societal goals Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation is characterized by the existence of successful criminal role models?

Criminal Signup and view all the answers

In which adaptation do groups tend to turn to violence due to a lack of criminal subculture?

Conflict Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered examples of individuals that may influence through the 'Rebellion' adaptation?

Activists like Karl Marx and Martin Luther King Signup and view all the answers

What term describes youth who completely reject both legitimate and illegitimate means of achieving success?

Retreatist Signup and view all the answers

What aspect particularly influences working class youth towards deviance according to Cloward and Ohlin?

Presence of role models in illegal professions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the 'Criminal' adaptation?

Focus on violent confrontation Signup and view all the answers

What does Merton's strain theory primarily explain?

The relationship between societal goals and means of achieving them. Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation involves rejecting the goal of success but still using legitimate means?

Ritualism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the 'innovation' adaptation?

An individual selling drugs to make money. Signup and view all the answers

What societal goal is largely associated with Merton's strain theory?

Attaining the American Dream. Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation is likely characterized by individuals feeling disillusioned and not seeking to improve their situation?

Ritualism Signup and view all the answers

In Merton's theory, individuals unable to achieve societal goals due to lack of opportunities may resort to which response?

Retreatism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary critique of Durkheim's explanation of anomie according to Merton?

It does not address why some individuals commit crimes over others. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'strain to anomie' refers to what phenomenon in Merton's theory?

The tension between achieving goals and the means available. Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists believe about the structures of society?

They positively influence behavior based on consensus. Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim, which of the following is a positive function of crime?

It reinforces social boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'collective conscience' in functionalist theory?

The shared agreement on societal norms and values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a belief held by functionalists regarding crime?

Most people are likely to become criminals. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do newspapers contribute to the function of crime in society, according to Durkheim?

They help to reaffirm social values publicly. Signup and view all the answers

How do functionalists view conflict in society?

They acknowledge it but emphasize consensus more. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by Durkheim to describe a state of normlessness during social change?

Anomie Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of public punishments according to the functionalist view?

They reinforce the consequences for deviance. Signup and view all the answers

Why do functionalists argue that crime is necessary in society?

It reaffirms and clarifies acceptable behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

According to Cohen, why might deviant acts be functional for members of anti-school subcultures?

Their own subculture provides status for deviant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What negative consequence does too much crime have according to Durkheim?

It undermines the collective conscience. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do Marxists have of Durkheim's assumption about society?

That society has a shared value system. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is cited as an example of anomie in society?

Riots escalating into looting Signup and view all the answers

How do Marxists view the criminal justice system in relation to the ruling class?

It benefits the bourgeoisie and their interests. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the collective conscience is weakened, according to Durkheim?

People prioritize their own interests over social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What role does status play in anti-school subcultures, according to Cohen?

It is gained through deviant behavior within the subculture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary response of individuals in the retreatist subculture?

Retreating into substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

Which group of theorists criticizes Cloward and Ohlin for assuming a common value system?

Marxists Signup and view all the answers

How does Venkatesh describe the gang lifestyle he observed?

Outlaw Capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of Venkatesh's view on gang life?

He overlooks the adverse impacts of gang involvement Signup and view all the answers

In what context do individuals generally join a conflict subculture according to Cloward and Ohlin?

When local fighting subcultures are present Signup and view all the answers

What outcome do Cloward and Ohlin attribute to individuals joining subcultures?

Functional opportunities for personal development Signup and view all the answers

What type of theorists are Cloward and Ohlin considered to be?

Functionalist theorists Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Venkatesh's findings about gang life and its benefits?

Gangs offer similar structures to legitimate job opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist Explanations of Crime and Deviance

Functionalists believe crime is a normal and necessary part of society.
They argue that crime reinforces shared values and norms.
Durkheim (1890) argued that crime is inevitable and in some ways necessary for societal harmony.
Positive functions of crime: affirms social boundaries, unites society against the criminal, leads to social change, and allows for creativity.
Negative functions of crime: widespread crime disrupts social order and cohesion.
Anomie: state of normlessness, a breakdown of shared values. This can happen in times of rapid social change.
Crime and deviance can create social change and new values
If a society's collective values/norms are not clear, any action is potentially criminal
Albert Cohen: deviant acts can be functional for members of anti-school subcultures, status is derived from inversion of school norms

Merton's Strain Theory

Merton (1938) extended Durkheim's work on anomie.
Merton's strain theory: focuses on the strain between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve them.
The "American Dream" example: societal goal of material success, but not everyone has the means to achieve it.
Strain caused by this imbalance leads to deviance to achieve the desired outcome.
Five adaptations to strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. This is displayed through a table with examples.

Criticisms of Functionalist Theories

Neo-Marxists: argue that functionalist theories ignore power imbalances in society, and the influence of powerful groups in creating or defining crime.
Subcultural theorists: argue that functionalist theories are too individualistic. They critique how groups develop shared values around deviancy, rather than individual deviancy being driven by societal pressures.
Venkatesh critics: critiques functionalist perspectives for neglecting negative aspects of gang life, such as prostitution and exploitation, suggesting potential overemphasis on positive elements.
Feminist critics: argue that functionalist theories are male-stream. They highlight the impact of crime on women and families, such as prostitution and domestic violence.

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Description

Explore the functionalist perspectives on crime and deviance, focusing on the views of Durkheim and Merton's Strain Theory. Understand how crime may serve necessary roles in society and the implications of anomie on social norms. This quiz examines the balance between the positive and negative functions of crime within social contexts.