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Functionalism and Crime (Evaluation (Durkheim doesn't state what the…
Functionalism and Crime
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Durkheim
Collective Conscience- Every society has a set of core values. Collective Conscience & Legal system = Social Order
Positive and negatives- Durkheim identified two sides of crime and deviance, claims both influence functioning of society.
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Cohen
Cohen suggests that crime can boost employment and the economy by creating jobs for those who work in the criminal justice system.
Merton
Argued that aspects of society can become dysfunctional and need change so society can run smoothly again. People engage in deviant behaviour when can't reach socially approved goals by legitimate means.
The American dream
Emphasises 'money success' can be achieved through hard work, education, etc.
Poverty and dscrimination mean that people can't achieve this through legitimate means, opportunity blocked.
The strain between cultural goal (money) and lack of legitimate means produces frustration and causing crime.
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Evaluation
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Not everyone agrees with laws and morals in society- powerful group could impose values on rest of society.
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Functionalists correct to assume that in order for society to survive, must be an agreement on values.