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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Functionalism provides what kind of definition for Crime and Deviance? |
Normative = action which consists of violation of social norms |
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What image of society does Functionalism present? |
- Shared norms and values i.e. consensus (Durkheim - collective conscience)
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Crime is functional Two positive functions of crime |
1. Boundary maintenance 2. Adaptation and change |
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Boundary maintenance and it's purpose |
Boundaries of acceptable conduct are made known; by arresting transgressors. The purpose of this is to strengthen social bonds and reaffirm values. Public opinion on criminal/deviant acts can result in the implementation of laws: Megan's Law (USA)/Sarah's Law (UK) |
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Adaptation and change and its purpose |
All change begins with deviance. Social control mustn't be too stifling for individuals with new ideas and values. |
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Crime is inevitable |
Not everybody will be equally committed to societal norms and values. Individuals are different and there will always exist someone that oversteps the boundary of acceptable behaviour. |
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Crime is normal - but what happens when there is too little/too much? |
No society exists where there is no crime. TOO MUCH = weakened collective conscience/anomie/individualism TOO LITTLE = repression/control of members thus preventing change |
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Evaluation of Functionalism Strengths |
1. Demonstrates useful purposes of crime 2. Illustrates social dimension of crime 3. Offers explanation for unhealthy crime levels |
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Evaluation of Functionalism Limitations |
1. Offers no explanation for why people choose not to offend 2. Assumption that there is harmony - law is reflective of majority interests - ignores issue of power 3. Overemphasizes consensus 4. Could result in pessimistic approach - stricter policing, harsher penalties etc. |
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Two functions of deviance |
1. Safety valve 2. Warning signal |
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Merton's strain theory suggests there is an interrelationship between what? (Highlights inconsistencies in American Dream ideology) |
1. Cultural goals publicized by society - acquisition of money; status 2. Chances/means of achieving said goals
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Merton's strain theory Social structure and anomie |
Members are in different positions in society (differ in terms of class position) opportunities to achieving goals is unequal resulting in anomie/deviance. Those in lower class positions are more likely to seek alternative routes for obtaining goals. |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain |
1. Conformity 2. Ritualism 3. Rebellion 4. Retreatism 5. Innovation |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain Conformity |
Individuals accepting of goals and aim to achieve them legitimately e.g. majority of Americans |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain Ritualism |
Don't attempt to achieve mainstream goals - internalized legitimate means so they abide by rules e.g. lower-middle class in routine jobs |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain Rebellion |
Reject mainstream goals/means - replace them with alternatives to bring about revolutionary change e.g. counter-cultures such as hippies |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain Retreatism |
Reject goals and legitimate means e.g. vagrants, tramps, drunkards, outcasts, addicts |
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Merton's strain theory Five deviant adaptations to strain Innovation |
Accepting of mainstream goals - use illegitimate means such as theft to achieve to achieve them e.g. members of lower class |
