functionalist theories of crime and deviance

WJEC essay plans for functionalist theories of crime and deviance

introduction

deviancy and crime is inevitable, and necessary for society. Durkheim; crime functions to establish boundaries and create social cohesion.

Durkheim’s theory of crime and deviance

crime is necessary, reinforces collective values, contributes to social change, crime exists in all societies; a certain amount is normal. Anomie explains conditions where people are likely to violate norms, usually during periods of rapid social change or serious societal disorder. Collective conscience, sets norms and boundaries of behaviour, defining the act of deviancy.

Merton’s strain theory

American society places a strong emphasis on success, limited people reach success in socially acceptable ways (educational attainment, occupational achievement). discrepancy between cultural goals and institutionalised means (societal success and how to acceptably achieve it) leads to strain, creating deviant acts to reach these goals. possible responses to strain; conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion.

other functionalist theories

Parson’s sick role theory; deviant behaviour can function as a form of social sanction or warning, drawing attention to an area of society that is not functioning properly. Hirschi’s control theory; people are not deterred through punishment, but through their relationships, commitments to conventional activities, involvement in activities, and belief in moral validity of social rules.

conclusion

not necessarily negative, integral part of social structure. why behaviours are considered deviant, and how social change influences these definitions. deterministic theories, neglects power relations. encourages a broader understanding of society’s role in crime and deviance.