Functionalism - Durkheim

value consensus

• society is based on shared common culture of norms and values

2 key mechanisms

1. socialisation of norms and values

2. social control through positive and negative sanctions

durkheim sees crime as inevitable and universal:

1. inadequate socialisation

2. highly specialised divisions of labour and diversity

Durkheim’s 2 postive functions of crime:

1. boundary maintenance - crime produces a reaction, uniting the public against wrong

2. adaptation and change - deviation can challenge norms, more people accept = it becomes the norm

too much crime -

tears bonds, chaos

too little crime -

controlling, repressing

safety value

crime is a way of releasing frustration without damaging social disorder

e.g. prostitution + porn that provides an outlet for individuals to express pent-up emotions or desires

warning signal

shows society = not functioning properly

criticism:

• outdated - 20th century

• choice/diversity

• requires a certain amount of crime = how much right?

• ignores how much it affects individuals = not functional