[1.0] Durkheim's functionalist theory Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in [1.0] Durkheim's functionalist theory Deck (19)
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1
Q

Which mechanisms work together to achieve solidarity?

A

Socialisation and social control.

2
Q

How do functionalists see crime?

A

They see too much crime as destabilising, but see some as inevitable and universal.

3
Q

How did Durkheim (1893) see crime?

A

As normal, and as an integral part of all healthy societies.

4
Q

What are the two reasons that crime is found in all societies?

A
  1. Not everyone is equally socialised into the shared norms and values of society.
  2. Diversity creates a difference in lifestyles and values, leading to the creation of deviant subcultures.
5
Q

What is there a tendency towards in modern societies?

A

Anomie, where the rules governing acceptable and unacceptable behaviour become less clear cut.

6
Q

What causes anomie?

A

The complex, specialised division of labour in modern societies leads to individuals becoming increasingly different from one another.

7
Q

What is weakened in diverse societies?

A

The collective conscience.

8
Q

What are the two positive functions of crime?

A

Boundary maintenance and adaptation.

9
Q

What is boundary maintenance?

A

When crime is committed, the public react in condemnation of the wrongdoer. This reinforces the boundaries of what is acceptable behaviour and reinforces the shared norms and values of society.

10
Q

Give an example of boundary maintenance in action.

A

The court process, which dramatises wrongdoing and publicly shames the offender.

11
Q

What is adaptation?

A

Change, which is started by an act of deviance such as protest.

12
Q

What happens if there is too much crime?

A

The bonds of society are threatened.

13
Q

What happens if there is too little crime?

A

Positive change is stifled.

14
Q

What does Davis (1961) argue?

A

He argues that prostitution protects the nuclear family by channelling male sexual frustration away from the home.

15
Q

What does Polsky (1967) argue?

A

Pornography channels behaviour away from alternatives such as adultery, which threatens the nuclear family.

16
Q

What does Cohen (1972) argue another function of crime is?

A

It gives a warning that an institution is not functioning properly.

17
Q

What does Erikson (1966) suggest?

A

He suggests that society may be organised in order to promote deviance to keep society stable when it controls it.

18
Q

What happens at carnivals and festivals?

A

Behaviour that would usually be punished is licensed.

19
Q

Give three criticisms of Durkheim’s functionalist theory.

A
  • There is no way to find out exactly how much crime is beneficial for society.
  • The fact that crime strengthens society does not mean that it exists and was created for that purpose only.
  • Functionalist approaches do not consider how crime affects the individual.
  • Crime can make some people more isolated.