1.1 crime and deviance a level sociology

what is a crime

an act that goes against or breaks the law

what does deviant mean

an act that goes against a societal norm

Durkheim theory of crime

crime is unavoidable, but is needed to provide social stability, too much crime can cause periods of anomie and egoism.

what does collective conscience mean

society shares the same norms and values

why does a functionalist think crime is good

reaffirm Norma and values

bring social change

cause social cohesion - people coming together

why does a functionalist think crime is bad

too much crime causes weak collective conscience. when balanced, stronger collective conscience

Robert Merton strain theory

crime happens as a result of a lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve success based on societal goals. creates a strain between the goals and means of achievement.

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what does disenchanted mean

no longer believing in the value of something

what did Merton observe to how people respond to the strain

- accept goals and means - conformity - believe in shares goals

- accept means and reject goals - ritualism - lost sight of shared goals, follow same routine

- accept goals, reject means - innovation - new ways to achieve same goals

- reject goals and means - retreatism - lost shared goals and means

- rebellion

why do rebellion worry functionalist

those who rebel defy collective conscience, can cause anomie and egoism

what is Albert Cohen subculture theory 1955

crime is the consequence of young people uniting into subcultures where deviant values are valued

what does status frustration mean

the anger one experiences when unable to achieve the social status they desire.

limitations of Albert cohens subculture theory

- only consider working class ( delinquent boys ), forget upper class crime white collar.

- not considering factors outside of school, impact values