Functionalist view of crime

general idea

crime makes society work and creates social solidarity

two mechanisms for social solidarity

socialization and social control

socialization

the instilling of a shared culture into its members by internalizing the same norms and values which causes people to feel it right to act in law-abiding and non-deviant ways

Social control

mechanisms such as rewards for conformity and punishments for deviance/crime. Helps to ensure that individuals behave in

why is crime and deviance universal

not everyone is effectively socialized, specialized division of labour which leads to more individuality among society

what does diversity and individualism cause

anomie (normlessness)

Durkheim's main theory

in a society with no crime, very minor acts of criminality and deviance would become big issues for example, execution for dropping litter or life imprisonment for speeding. NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS BAD, IS BAD FOR SOCIETY

Durkheim's ways that crime creates a functional society

boundary maintenance, social cohesion, adaptation and change

boundary maintenance

crime sets, strengthens and maintains moral boundaries within society. It draws a strong line between right and wrong

Social cohesion

Crime unites people in moral condemnation, where they unanimously agree on how unacceptable and barbaric a crime is which reinforces social solidarity and value consensus

Adaptation and change

Crime and deviance enables societies to change, evolve, adapt and move on. Crime being committed is a sure sign that people do not agree and believe in all aspects of the value consensus and if people are united in this issue, it is an indication that there is a need for change

Criticisms - Durkheim

Does not specify a perfect or optimum level of deviance for a perfect society.

Criticisms - origin

Fails to explain the origin of crime, only explains its existence in terms of it supposed function, to strengthen solidarity. does not explain why crime exists in the first place