Functionalism: Theories of Crime and Deviance (Durkheim)

According to Durkheim, what four functions do crime and deviance perform for society?

• boundary maintenance

• social change

• safety valve

• warning device

What is boundary maintenance?

• keeping a clear line between what’s considered acceptable and unacceptable in society

• maintaining social order and solidarity

• defining and upholding the shared moral code of society

• preventing others from committing crimes

• reinforcing the collective consciousness and social cohesion

What is an example of boundary maintenance?

the publicity surrounding court cases and punishments acting as a deterrent from committing crimes

What is social change?

• society responding positively to deviant behaviour

• deviant behaviour becoming normal and accepted

• alterations in the law

• incremental, organic change

What is an example of social change?

the LGBTQ+ community becoming more widely accepted and gay marriage being legalised

What is a safety valve?

• deviance acting as a safety valve for society

• individuals releasing tension without damaging society

What are some examples of a safety valve?

• prostitution releases men’s sexual tension without damaging the nuclear family

• substance misuse (e.g., drugs, alcohol) releases tension

What is a warning device?

• making those responsible aware that institutions are not functioning effectively

• requiring those responsible to take action

What is an example of a warning device?

child abuse warns social services and emergency services that they are not functioning effectively