functionalism

what is the function of crime according to functionalists

it acts as a social indication for any existing issues within society - too much or little crime

this is when crime becomes dysfunctional

why might crime be dysfunctional if there’s too much or little

too much - lack of stability or norms

too little - necessary structures and jobs not needed (can’t develop norms/ solidarity)

what are the 3 other functions of crime according to Durkheim

social solidarity

boundary maintenance

adaptation and change

what do functionalists believe is the purpose of punishments

they are used to prevent too much crime and a dysfunctional society - used as a deterrence

what is Durkheim’s view of crime

it is inevitable and a result of inadequate socialisation and diversity

in a diverse society there’s no set norms or values

what was merton’s theory to explain crime

strain theory

what is strain theory

deviance is a result of strain between structural and cultural factors

strain between goals that our culture encourages us to achieve and what our institutions allow us to achieve legitimately

typology - accept goals and means

conformity

typology - accept goals but reject means

innovation

typology - reject goals but accept means

ritualism

typology - reject goals and means

retreatism

typology - create new goals and means

rebellion

what is Cohen’s theory of crime

subculture strain theory

what is the subculture strain theory

he agrees with Merton that crime is a wc issue but argues that it’s a group response rather than individual

he argues that crimes that are non-utilitarian also need an explanation

what does the middle class measuring rod consist of

ambition

respect for property

deferred gratification

achievement

how does the mc measuring rod cause wc crime

inability to achieve high ranked jobs based on mc rod - leads to status frustration and rejection of norms/values of mainstream society so turn to delinquent subcultures where they achieve high

why do Cloward and Ohlin criticise Cohen

for exploring just one response to strain - they argue that subcultures respond to strain in different ways

what are the 3 types of subculture

criminal

conflict

retreatist

what are the features of the criminal subculture

career-like organisation

established hierarchy

training and employment available

what is a contemporary example of criminal subcultures

US mafia - rules and traditions, 1920s liquor trade, drug trafficking, illegal gambling

what are the features of the conflict subculture

in areas of high social disorganisation - no stable professional criminal organisation

many groups emerging

little opportunity and high risk of violence as a source of status

what is a contemporary example of conflict subcultures

London killings - youth not fitting in and reduced policing in streets so became violent and robbery was high

what are the features of the retreatist subculture

groups that can’t succeed in legitimate or illegitimate ways

lack opportunity

exclusion from society which leads to retreatism and deviance

what is a contemporary example of retreatist subcultures

LGBTQ youth who live in Jamaica’s sewers - lack of support or job and subject to violence

work in sex industry and some steal/ commit crimes