Criminology - U2 - Durkheim - Functionalism

Organic Analogy of Society

Durkheim compared society to a human body, where institutions (organs) must work together for the society's health. Deviance is a natural part of a healthy society, not necessarily a sign of dysfunction.

Boundary Maintenance

Deviance helps reinforce the shared values and norms in society by distinguishing acceptable behaviour from unacceptable behaviour. Social disapproval of deviance strengthens social solidarity.

Social Change

Deviance promotes social change. If people never deviated from norms, society wouldn't evolve. Deviant acts can lead to the legal and social acceptance of new norms (e.g., changing attitudes towards homosexuality).

Deviance is Inevitable

Deviance exists in every society because different behaviours are seen as deviant in different cultures. Even in a "society of saints," some deviance would still occur.

Deviance as a Safety Valve

Kingsley Davies suggested that deviance can release social tension, such as the example of prostitution, which he argued helps relieve men's sexual frustration.

Balance of Deviance

Durkheim argued that too much or too little deviance harms society. Balanced deviance ensures healthy social order, but excessive or insufficient deviance can indicate problems.

Mechanical vs. Organic Solidarity

Pre-industrial societies had strong social bonds (mechanical solidarity), leading to less deviance. Modern industrial societies have weaker bonds (organic solidarity), making deviance more likely.

Anomie

Anomie refers to normlessness or lack of social control, often caused by rapid social change. During periods like industrialisation, anomie increases deviance due to breakdowns in societal cohesion.

Deviance is Normal and Inevitable

Durkheim believed deviance is a natural part of all societies, essential for reinforcing norms. Even in a "society of saints," some deviance would still exist.

Sanctions and Social Control

Social control is maintained through formal sanctions (e.g., laws, legal punishments) and informal sanctions (e.g., social disapproval). These sanctions help regulate deviant behaviour and promote conformity to social norms.

Value Consensus

Durkheim argued that society is held together by a shared set of norms and values (value consensus), which individuals are socialised into through institutions. Deviance occurs when individuals violate these shared values.

Social Response to Deviance

Society's response to deviance, whether through punishment or tolerance, helps clarify boundaries and reinforces social cohesion. Deviance is used to establish what is socially acceptable.

Industrialisation and Increased Deviance

Durkheim believed that industrialisation created conditions that led to increased deviance. Rapid societal change disrupted traditional norms, leading to greater individualism and, consequently, more deviant behaviour.

Deviance and Legal Reform

Deviant behaviour can prompt legal reforms as society re-evaluates norms and values. For instance, deviant acts might challenge outdated laws and eventually lead to progressive changes in the legal system.

Functionalism and Deviance

From a functionalist perspective, deviance is necessary for the stability and functioning of society. It helps define acceptable behaviour, maintain social order, and can even stimulate positive social change.

Social Solidarity

Durkheim argued that deviance strengthens social solidarity, as it reinforces the collective conscience. By reacting against deviant acts, society reaffirms its shared values and strengthens bonds between individuals.

Role of Punishment in Society

Durkheim believed that punishment serves to reaffirm the collective values of society. By punishing deviance, society re-establishes boundaries and reinforces social cohesion.

Crime as a Warning Light

Durkheim believed that crime could act as a "warning light" for society. An increase in crime or deviance signals that something is wrong, such as a breakdown in norms or social cohesion, and calls for adjustments to restore balance.