strengths and weaknesses of functionalism theory

What is a strength of functionalism

Durkheim was the first to find some benefits to crime, including boundary maintenance, enables social change, acts as a safety valve and warning light.

Weakness of functionalism

Some people disagree that crime can be functional, particularly for victims as it doesn’t benefit them and disregards personal feelings

Strength of functionalism

Mertons views are supported by official statistics- most crime is property crime as people try to obtain material goods which shows that his study is reliable

Weakness of F

Mertons strain theory cannot explain all types of crime. This theory helps to understand why working class commit crimes to achieve status and wealth. It doesn’t help us understand wealthy higher class people, sex offenders and paeodophiles.

Strength of F

Mertons strain theory cannot explain help us understand why there are social class differences in crime. Working class commit higher numbers of crime compared to middle and upper class to achieve status and wealth, because they are experiencing strain more.

Weakness

Merton ignores crimes committed within groups. This includes gangs and higher class people