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Sociology Crime > Functionalism > Flashcards

Functionalism Flashcards

1
Q

What type pf theory is functionalism?

A

Structural, macro consensus

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2
Q

What is the functionalist view on crime?

A

source = located in structures of S
C+d can only be examined by looking at way S = organised structurally
Caused by S, not evil individuals

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3
Q

How do agencies of social control try to prevent crime?

A

Spreading value consensus

Helps create social order + cohesion

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4
Q

When did Durkheim write?

A

1985

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5
Q

What 2 reasons does Durkheim give for crime existing?

A
  1. Result of industrialisation

2. Performs +ve function (4)

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6
Q

Why does Durkheim argue that crime is a result of industrialisation?

A

Pre-industrial S, agencies of social control (fam/rel) = Powerful - c = rare
Individuals = socialised into correct n+v
Severe punishments (exile/death)
BUT industrialisation led to scientific, rational explanations
Undermined power of fam/rel
Socialisation, agencies + punishment threats = weaker
Led to ANOMIE (moral uncertainty/ confusion)
Led to c+d

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7
Q

why does Durkheim argue that crime must be functional?

A

Present in most S
Said: c = ‘integral part of all healthy S’
; all exposed to different influences + not all committed to shared v/ moral beliefs
C = necessary + beneficial (4 functions)
BUT does recognise that certain level can threaten social order

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8
Q

What are Durkehim’s 4 functions of crime?

A
  1. Enables social change
  2. Strengthen n+v
  3. Safety valve
  4. Warning device
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9
Q

How can crime lead to social change?

Durkheim

A

‘Yesterday’s days deviance is tomorrow normality’
Needed for S to progress, often starts with deviance
e.g. Suffragettes (W’s vote)

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10
Q

How can crime strengthen the n+v of S?

Durkheim

A

Act as boundary management
Cases were law isn’t upheld, legal sanctions = been increased
e.g. case of baby P, social services = forced to be stricter

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11
Q

How can crime act as a safety valve?

Durkheim

A

Allows S to maintain it’s own level of crime
By letting ‘petty/smaller’ crimes occur, prevent serious crimes
e.g. prostitution (moral crime); releases sexual urges preventing rape

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12
Q

How can crime act as a warning device?

A

If = sudden rise in crime, shows laws need to be implemented/ modified
e.g. underages pregnant rates = decline in past 5 yrs; morning after pill now available at chemists, not just at the doctors

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13
Q

Is all crime functional according to Durkheim?

A

No
Too much c+d can be dysfunctional
Therefore crucial that agencies of socialisation + social order = maintained IOT maintain healthy level
Agencies of social control = FUNCTIONAL PREREQUISITES

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14
Q

What is a strength of Durkheim’s work?

A

1st sociological explanation of c+d

Acted as an important challenge to early biological/ psychological theories (Lombroso)

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15
Q

What are 4 criticisms of Merton’s work?

A
  1. Don’t explain why certain groups = more likely to commit c+d
  2. Saying c = functional isn’t same as explaining how/ WHY it occurs
  3. Are all crimes functional? (9/11)
  4. Marxists: Over estimates v consensus, who has power to define c?
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16
Q

What are the 2 ways in which Marxists would criticise Durkheim’s view on crime?

A
  1. Over estimates v consensus - underestimates how much c+d occurs
  2. Doesn’t consider who has the power to define c+d
17
Q

When did Merton write?

A

1968

18
Q

What is the first thing to mention when writing about Merton?

A

‘Merton (1968), who built upon the work of Durkheim….’

19
Q

How does Merton build upon the work on Durkheim?

A

Uses concepts of anomie to try + explain WHY c+d occurs in the 1st pace

20
Q

What are Merton’s 2 functions of crime?

A
  1. Manifest (intended functions)

2. Latent (unintended functions, e.g. anomie + breakdown of S)

21
Q

What does Merton argue that there is a STRAIN between?

A

Goals of S (££) + accepted means of achieving them
S stresses importance of achieving these goals
Motivates individuals to achieve them
Idea of being wealthy = more important than means of achieving it

22
Q

Can everyone achieve S goals though legitimate means?

What happens as a result?

A

No
People respond differently to strain
There = anomie on HOW a person should achieve S goals

23
Q

What does Merton’s strain theory provide sociologist with?

A

Framework on how to classify (non)criminals
Must consider if individual accepts/ rejects:
a) S cultural goals
b) institutional means of attaining them

24
Q

Why does Merton believe that crime is inevitable?

A

C = inevitable outcome of a S which shares the same goals BUT NOT the opportunities to achieve them

25
Q

What are Merton’s 5 responses to strain?

A
  1. Conformity
  2. Innovation
  3. Ritualism
  4. Retreatism
  5. Rebellion
26
Q

Whose response is ‘conformity’ to strain?

Merton

A

Those who accept S goals + institutional means of achieving them
Follow the rules, believe it will pay off eventually
More mc

27
Q

Whose response is ‘innovation’ to strain?

A

Those who accept S goals BUT reject S rules (e.g. laws) on achieving wealth
May be because they don’t have means to (e.g £ for higher Ed) OR don’t believe in the laws so turn to crime
More wc
e.g. drug dealers, cheating on tests

28
Q

Whose response is ‘ritualism’ to strain?

A

Those who don’t believe they can attain S goals
BUT continue down accepted path; = what supposed to do
Lack ambition + motivation
Most likely lower mc
e.g. teacher who = lost interest in job but contuse to teach

29
Q

Whose response is ‘retreatism’ to strain?

A

Those who reject S goals + means to achieve them
These people often retreat to substance abuse
e.g. drug addicts, rough-sleepers

30
Q

Whose response is ‘rebellion’ to strain?

A

These people redefine S goals
Create new means of pursuing their unique goals
Group works outside the established system
e.g. terrorists, conservationists

31
Q

Give 2 reasons why Merton’s theory of c+d may be better than Durkheim’s

A
  1. M give an explanation of WHY c+d occurs in 1st place

2. M refers to different people committing c+d for different reasons - D overgeneralises

32
Q

What are 4 criticisms of Merton’s work?

A
  1. Assumes we live in materialistic culture, doesn’t explain non-utilitarian crimes (murder)
  2. Ignores other factors (CAGE/locality)
  3. Marxists: fails to consider power, who defines goals?
  4. Assumes v consensus in USA S + people only deviate due to structural strain
    BUT USA = not homogenous
    American dream apply to UK? Is £ only goal?
33
Q

How would Marxists criticise Merton?

A

M fails to consider power
Who decides S goal + acceptable means
Fails to explain white collar, corporate + state crimes
- mc who commit crimes have means to achieve G + DON’T experience strain

34
Q

What are 2 strengths of Merton’s work?

A
  1. More relevant than Durkheim’s theory
  2. Supporting evidence: in times of crisis when people = less likely to have access to S goals through legitimate means, crimes (burglaries/theft) increases

Sociology Crime (24 decks)

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