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According to Durkheim, how does a highly specialized division of labor contribute to crime in modern societies?
According to Durkheim, how does a highly specialized division of labor contribute to crime in modern societies?
What is Durkheim's concept of 'moving equilibrium' in relation to crime and deviance?
What is Durkheim's concept of 'moving equilibrium' in relation to crime and deviance?
What is Durkheim's main argument regarding the punishment of crime?
What is Durkheim's main argument regarding the punishment of crime?
According to Durkheim, what are the consequences of 'anomie' in society?
According to Durkheim, what are the consequences of 'anomie' in society?
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Why does Durkheim argue that a certain level of deviance is beneficial to society?
Why does Durkheim argue that a certain level of deviance is beneficial to society?
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What does Kingsley Davis argue is a positive benefit of prostitution for society?
What does Kingsley Davis argue is a positive benefit of prostitution for society?
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Which of the following concepts is NOT directly related to Durkheim's theory of crime and deviance?
Which of the following concepts is NOT directly related to Durkheim's theory of crime and deviance?
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What does Durkheim mean by 'repression' in the context of his theory?
What does Durkheim mean by 'repression' in the context of his theory?
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What does the term 'retreatism' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
What does the term 'retreatism' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
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According to subcultural theories, why do deviant groups form?
According to subcultural theories, why do deviant groups form?
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What does 'status frustration' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
What does 'status frustration' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
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How do subcultural groups respond to 'status frustration'?
How do subcultural groups respond to 'status frustration'?
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What does 'non-utilitarian crime' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
What does 'non-utilitarian crime' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?
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What is meant by 'illegitimate opportunity structures' in the context of subcultural theories?
What is meant by 'illegitimate opportunity structures' in the context of subcultural theories?
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What does Cloward and Ohlin's study highlight about deviant subcultures?
What does Cloward and Ohlin's study highlight about deviant subcultures?
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What is the primary argument of subcultural theories in relation to deviance?
What is the primary argument of subcultural theories in relation to deviance?
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What is the main purpose of the 'safety valve' that sexual deviance provides?
What is the main purpose of the 'safety valve' that sexual deviance provides?
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What is the relationship between 'control theory' and 'anomie' according to the text?
What is the relationship between 'control theory' and 'anomie' according to the text?
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What does the text suggest is the central factor in determining an individual's likelihood of deviating from societal norms?
What does the text suggest is the central factor in determining an individual's likelihood of deviating from societal norms?
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What is a key characteristic of 'strain theory'?
What is a key characteristic of 'strain theory'?
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Based on the text, what are the main elements that make up a society's 'institutionalised goals'?
Based on the text, what are the main elements that make up a society's 'institutionalised goals'?
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Which of the following options is NOT mentioned in the text as an adaptation individuals develop to cope with societal strain?
Which of the following options is NOT mentioned in the text as an adaptation individuals develop to cope with societal strain?
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What is the significance of 'social capital' in understanding societal strain?
What is the significance of 'social capital' in understanding societal strain?
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What is the main argument about 'legitimate' means of achieving society's goals, according to the text?
What is the main argument about 'legitimate' means of achieving society's goals, according to the text?
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Flashcards
Functionalism
Functionalism
A sociological perspective that views crime as a necessary aspect of a healthy society.
Specialised division of labour
Specialised division of labour
In modern societies, tasks are divided among individuals leading to greater individualism and competition.
Collective sentiments
Collective sentiments
Shared values and norms within a society that influence behavior and reactions to crime.
Social equilibrium
Social equilibrium
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Anomie
Anomie
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Deviance
Deviance
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Boundary maintenance
Boundary maintenance
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Moving equilibrium
Moving equilibrium
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Safety Valve
Safety Valve
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Control Theory
Control Theory
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Formal Rewards
Formal Rewards
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Informal Rewards
Informal Rewards
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Bonds of Attachment
Bonds of Attachment
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Strain Theory
Strain Theory
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Innovation
Innovation
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Ritualism
Ritualism
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Retreatism
Retreatism
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Group Phenomenon
Group Phenomenon
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Status Frustration
Status Frustration
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Inversion of Values
Inversion of Values
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Non-Utilitarian Crime
Non-Utilitarian Crime
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Alternative Status Hierarchy
Alternative Status Hierarchy
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Illegitimate Opportunity Structures
Illegitimate Opportunity Structures
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Subcultural Theories
Subcultural Theories
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Study Notes
Functionalist Theories of Crime and Deviance
- Durkheim argued crime is a necessary feature of healthy societies. Increased specialization, competition, and individualism lead to more crime in modern, less homogeneous societies.
- Collective sentiments, the shared moral beliefs, determine how offenses are punished. Severe punishment reinforces societal norms.
- Boundary maintenance is the function of punishment, restoring social equilibrium (moral balance).
- Durkheim proposed the "moving equilibrium" where societal norms and punishments evolve. Too much or too little crime causes anomie, hindering healthy societal change.
- Deviance can be a positive force, anticipating future moral values (e.g. Pankhursts, Wilde).
- Kingsley Davis argued deviance, such as prostitution, acts as a safety valve, reducing tension and preventing more serious issues like adultery.
Strain Theory
- Robert Merton's strain theory argues that anomie results from the strain of pursuing culturally valued goals (e.g., wealth) with limited legitimate means.
- American Dream is an example of a culturally valued goal, potentially causing strain.
- Merton identified five adaptations to strain:
- Conformity (accept goals and means)
- Innovation (accept goals, reject means)
- Ritualism (reject goals, accept means)
- Retreatism (reject goals and means)
- Rebellion (reject goals and means, create new ones).
- Deviance arises from unequal access to legitimate means, common for groups like ethnic minorities and women.
Subcultural Theories
- Subcultural theories suggest deviance is a group phenomenon, with shared norms and values within the group, distinct from mainstream society.
- Albert Cohen examined delinquent subcultures, which emerge from status frustration among working-class boys.
- Cloward and Ohlin expanded on this, linking subcultures to illegitimate opportunity structures (e.g., criminal, conflict, retreatist).
- Various types of criminal subcultures exist (e.g., organized crime, drug dealing gangs) and can differ by locality.
- David Matza disagreed, arguing that deviance is not fixed but a temporary immersion in subcultural values. Individuals drift in and out of subcultural activities.
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Description
Explore functionalist theories and strain theory in sociology, focusing on the perspectives of Durkheim and Merton. Understand how crime is viewed as a necessary component of social structure and how deviance can serve as a safety valve. This quiz delves into the complexities of crime, deviance, and societal norms.