functionalism

Theorist

Durkheim

What is functionalism

View crime as inevitable even a necessary part of society by helping maintain social order and cohesion with the right amount

Inevitable

Crime exists in all societies and cannot be eliminated as individuals are different and social norms constantly evolve

Crime serves a function

Crime is not just harmful it can play a positive role in society helping to clarify social boundaries and promote social change

Dysfunctional

Crime can be harmful to society - too much or too little

Social cohesion

Public reactions to shocking crimes can unite communities

Collective sentiments

When societies shared values are too weak normlessness increases. When too strong individual freedom is supressed. There must be a balance

Anomie

A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms. Happens during rapid social change when individuals feel disconnected from societal values leading to deviance

Case studies

Shannon Matthew’s and homosexuality

Shannon mathews

When she was kidnapped the working class came together in search efforts and public support showing strength in shared values

Homosexuality

Was once criminalised but deviant challenges to norms contributed to shifts in public opinion and legal reform

Strengths

Reconises crime as a normal and inevitable part of society - inevitable in all societies due to differences in norms and values

Highlights functions of crime - crime can have positive functions such as boundary maintenance, social change and social cohesion

Case examples to support such as Shannon mathews and homosexuality

Limitations

Ignores power and inequality - overlooks how power dynamics influence who defines crime and who is punished by assuming laws are neutral

Overemphasis on social order - focuses heavily on positive functions of crime and maintaining social order which downplays the real harm crime causes

Ignores other factors such as personal choice and circumstance - there may be psychological or biological reasons why crime is committed

Link to criminal behaviour

in order to maintain a functioning society crime must exist it can help maintain social order and cohesion