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?

    <p>Karl Marx and Martin Luther King. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Gangsters use illegitimate means while conformists use legitimate means. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Higher pressure to succeed due to fewer legitimate opportunities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'illegitimate opportunity structure' refer to?

    <p>The availability of illegal means to achieve societal goals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Criminal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Conflict (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Activists like Karl Marx and Martin Luther King (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Retreatist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Presence of role models in illegal professions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Focus on violent confrontation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Merton's strain theory primarily explain?

    <p>The relationship between societal goals and means of achieving them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ritualism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>An individual selling drugs to make money. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Attaining the American Dream. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ritualism (B)</p> 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?

    <p>Retreatism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It does not address why some individuals commit crimes over others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The tension between achieving goals and the means available. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do functionalists believe about the structures of society?

    <p>They positively influence behavior based on consensus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It reinforces social boundaries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The shared agreement on societal norms and values. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Most people are likely to become criminals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They help to reaffirm social values publicly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do functionalists view conflict in society?

    <p>They acknowledge it but emphasize consensus more. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Anomie (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They reinforce the consequences for deviance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do functionalists argue that crime is necessary in society?

    <p>It reaffirms and clarifies acceptable behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Their own subculture provides status for deviant behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It undermines the collective conscience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>That society has a shared value system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Riots escalating into looting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It benefits the bourgeoisie and their interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>People prioritize their own interests over social norms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It is gained through deviant behavior within the subculture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Retreating into substance abuse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Marxists (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Venkatesh describe the gang lifestyle he observed?

    <p>Outlaw Capitalism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>He overlooks the adverse impacts of gang involvement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>When local fighting subcultures are present (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Functional opportunities for personal development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Functionalist theorists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Gangs offer similar structures to legitimate job opportunities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Collective Conscience

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

    Anomie

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

    Strain Theory

    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.

    Structuralism

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

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    Consensus

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

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    American Dream

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

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    Reaffirming Social Boundaries

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

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    Strain to Anomie

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

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    Durkheim's View on Crime

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

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    Conformity

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

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    Positive Function of Crime

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

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    Innovation (Criminal)

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

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    Social Explanation for Crime

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

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    Ritualism (Deviant)

    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.

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    Retreatism (Deviant/Criminal)

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

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    Biological Explanations for Crime

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

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    Anti-School Subculture

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

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    Functionalism of Crime

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

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    Deviant Acts as Status Symbols

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

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    Inverted Values

    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.

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    Bourgeoisie

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

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    Proletariat

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

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    Rebellion (Deviant/Criminal)

    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.

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    Innovation (Criminal Deviance)

    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.

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    Ritualism (Deviant Behavior)

    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.

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    Conformity (Normal Behavior)

    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.

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    Retreatism (deviant)

    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.

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    Rebellion (deviant)

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

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    Criminal Subculture

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

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    Conflict Subculture

    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.

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    Strain Theory (Cloward and Ohlin)

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

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    Legitimate Opportunity Structure

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

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    Illegitimate Opportunity Structure

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

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    Functionalist Subculture Theory

    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.

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    Retreatist Subculture: A 'Double Failure'

    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.

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    Strain Theory by Cloward and Ohlin

    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.

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    Outlaw Capitalism

    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.

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    Criticisms of Venkatesh's Outlaw Capitalism

    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.

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    Crime Functioning to Reaffirm Social Boundaries

    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.

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    How Crime Can Be Functional For Individuals

    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.

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    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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    Related Documents

    Functionalist Explanations PDF

    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.

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