Functionalist explanations of Crime

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17 Terms

1
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What are the two key functions of crime according to Durkheim?

Boundary maintenance and adaptation

2
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How does crime reinforce social solidarity according to Durkheim?

Crime unites society in disapproval, reinforcing shared norms and values.

3
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What does Durkheim mean by 'anomie'?

A state of normlessness, where societal norms break down, leading to deviance.

4
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Why does Durkheim say a certain amount of crime is necessary?

It acts as a safety valve, promotes social change, and maintains boundaries.

5
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What is the core idea of Merton’s strain theory?

Crime occurs when people cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means.

6
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What are the five modes of individual adaptation in Merton’s strain theory?

Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

7
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Which adaptation leads to crime, according to Merton?

Innovation – accepting goals but using illegitimate means.

8
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How does Merton’s theory explain working-class crime?

Blocked opportunities to achieve success cause strain, leading to innovation.

9
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What type of crime does A. Cohen focus on explaining?

Non-utilitarian crimes like vandalism and fighting.

10
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What causes status frustration according to Cohen?

Working-class boys face cultural deprivation and failure in the education system.

11
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How do boys respond to status frustration in Cohen's theory?

They form delinquent subcultures that invert mainstream values.

12
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What is the function of these subcultures, according to Cohen?

They provide an alternative status hierarchy to gain respect among peers.

13
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What do Cloward and Ohlin argue about access to deviance?

There is unequal access to illegitimate opportunities, just like legitimate ones.

14
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What are the three types of deviant subcultures identified by Cloward and Ohlin?

Criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures.

15
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What characterizes criminal subcultures?

Organized crime with apprenticeships in criminal careers.

16
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What leads to conflict subcultures according to Cloward and Ohlin?

Areas with high social disorganization and little access to stable criminal networks.

17
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Who joins retreatist subcultures?

Those who fail in both legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structures (e.g., double failures).