Functionalist explanations of crime - CRIME AND DEVIANCE TOPIC 3

What type of explanations for crime did functionalists reject?

Biological explanations that criminals are born ‘bad’

What does consensus mean in functionalist theory?

Shared agreement on norms and values within society

How do functionalists view society overall?

As generally cooperative and harmonious, with structures benefiting most people

Why does Durkheim argue that crime is inevitable in society?

Crime is inevitable because not everyone shares the same values and norms fully; complete value consensus is impossible in any society.

What is value consensus and the collective conscience according to Durkheim?

Value consensus is the shared norms and values in society, and the collective conscience is the shared moral beliefs that guide behaviour.

How does crime positively function to reaffirm social boundaries?

When crime is punished publicly (e.g. courts and media coverage), it clarifies what is unacceptable behaviour and reinforces shared values.

Why does Durkheim believe crime must be seen to be punished

Visible punishment strengthens social solidarity by reinforcing the collective conscience and reminding society of its moral boundaries.

What causes working-class students to join anti-school subcultures? (Cohen)

Status frustration from being denied status in school due to lack of cultural, material, and social capital.

How do anti-school subcultures provide positive outcomes for members? (Cohen)

Members gain status within their peer group by inverting traditional school values.

What kind of deviance is functional according to Cohen?

Deviance that provides status and a sense of achievement within an anti-school subculture.

What is the brief period when society's norms are suspended called? (Durkheim)

Anomie – a state of normlessness where previously unaccepted acts temporarily become acceptable.

What does the collective conscience represent in society? (Durkheim)

Shared values that guide behaviour and form the basis for social order.

Which example illustrates a period of anomie? (Durkheim)

The London riots in 2011, when looting and arson occurred due to weakened social control.

What is Marx’s criticism of Durkheim’s idea of value consensus?

Marx argues there is no shared value consensus; ruling-class values are imposed on the working class.

According to Marxists, whose values are reflected in laws and the criminal justice system?

The values of the bourgeoisie (ruling class).

How does Marxism challenge Durkheim’s view that laws are fair and meritocratic?

Laws are biased and benefit the ruling class rather than society as a whole

What is Robert Merton’s strain theory?

A theory arguing that crime occurs when there is a strain between society’s goals (e.g. the American Dream) and legitimate means of achieving them (Merton).

What is meant by the “American Dream” in Merton’s theory?

The cultural goal of material success, wealth and a high standard of living that society encourages people to achieve (Merton).

What is innovation in Merton’s strain theory?

When individuals accept society’s goals but use illegitimate means, such as crime, to achieve them (Merton).

What is ritualism according to Merton?

When individuals reject the goal of success but continue to use legitimate means, such as staying in a dead-end job (Merton).

What is retreatism in strain theory?

When individuals reject both society’s goals and legitimate means, often associated with drug use or homelessness (Merton)

What is rebellion in Merton’s strain theory?

When individuals reject existing goals and means and replace them with alternatives, often using illegitimate methods (e.g. revolution or protest) (Merton)

How do Neo-Marxists criticise Merton’s strain theory?

They argue Merton ignores the role of powerful groups (e.g. politicians and lawmakers) in defining crime and scapegoating certain groups.

What does Hall et al.’s Policing the Crisis show?

That young black men were scapegoated for “mugging” in the 1970s to distract attention from economic recession and wider social problems.

Why do subcultural theorists reject Merton’s view of crime?

They argue crime is often collective, with people joining deviant subcultures, rather than individuals responding to strain alone.

How does Albert Cohen criticise Merton?

Cohen argues working-class youth experience status frustration and join delinquent subcultures instead of fitting into Merton’s five adaptations.

What is meant by the legitimate opportunity structure? (Cloward & Ohlin)

Legal routes to success such as education, jobs and careers that are often blocked for working-class youth.

What is the illegitimate opportunity structure? (Cloward & Ohlin)

Access to illegal means of achieving success, such as organised crime and criminal networks.

What is a criminal subculture? (Cloward & Ohlin)

A subculture with organised crime and role models where youth can progress through a criminal hierarchy.

What is a conflict subculture? (Cloward & Ohlin)

A subculture based on violence and gang conflict where no organised criminal careers exist.

What is a retreatist subculture and why are members “double failures”? (Cloward & Ohlin)

Individuals who fail in both legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structures and retreat into drugs or alcohol.

Why did Venkatesh’s sample of working-class men join gangs? (Venkatesh)

They had few opportunities and gangs provided work, income, a hierarchy, and social support.

What term did Venkatesh use to describe the gang lifestyle? (Venkatesh)

Outlaw Capitalism

How can gangs be functional for individuals according to Venkatesh? (Venkatesh)

Gangs provide income, daily work, social support, hierarchy, and services where formal institutions have withdrawn.

What is a key feminist criticism of Venkatesh's study on gangs? (Harding)

It ignores the harm to women and children, overemphasising the positives of gang life.

How are women treated in gangs according to feminist critics? (Harding)

Women are often kept low in the hierarchy and used for sexual capital

Which researcher highlighted that gang life is rarely functional for women?

Harding