Functionalist explanations of Crime

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

Boundary maintenance and adaptation

How does crime reinforce social solidarity according to Durkheim?

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

What does Durkheim mean by 'anomie'?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

Which adaptation leads to crime, according to Merton?

Innovation – accepting goals but using illegitimate means.

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

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

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

Non-utilitarian crimes like vandalism and fighting.

What causes status frustration according to Cohen?

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

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

They form delinquent subcultures that invert mainstream values.

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

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

What do Cloward and Ohlin argue about access to deviance?

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

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

Criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures.

What characterizes criminal subcultures?

Organized crime with apprenticeships in criminal careers.

What leads to conflict subcultures according to Cloward and Ohlin?

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

Who joins retreatist subcultures?

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