Studied by 3 people
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
Note 
Flashcard (137)