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Functionalist Perspective on Crime (The functions of crime (Durkheim ~…
Functionalist Perspective on Crime
Structuralist theory of crime
Explained by social structures
Crime caused by society x circumstances of individual
Mechanical solidarity
Underpins traditional societies
E.g. Islamic societies and communist dolctatorships
Durkheim
~ Strong social controls =little C&D
Powerful agencies (eg family and religion) socialise members into a clear consensus about right and wrong
Those who strayed beyond the consensus faced severe and often public forms of punishment
Individuality was regarded as deviant and was suppressed. Loyalty and duty to the group was paramount
The functions of crime
Durkheim
~ crime exists in all societies
The universality suggests it has positive functions
Boundary maintenance
Punishment by the courts for breaking a law reaffirms value consensus and public faith in social controls
The boundary between acceptable and deviant b/h is clear = discourages offending
Functional rebellion
Some 'deviance' may enable much needed social change
The Suffragettes aimed to change laws that denied women the same rights as men
Warning device
Clinard
~ C/D sends a message that social institutions are not functioning properly
High numbers of suicides in prisons may indicate an issue with the prison system, prompting changes to the way prisons are run
Safety valve
Cohen
~ Deviance allows ppl to let of steam in relatively harmless way
Uses example of prostitution as a release for sexual expression
Organic solidarity
Underpins modern societies
Agencies (family & religion) are less influential and members of society are exposed to ideas that challenge tradition and authority
Consequently there is no longer clear agreement about what constitutes right and wrong behaviour
Formerly deviant acts become socially acceptable
Punishment for C&D grow weaker and no longer deter
Durkheim
~ modern societies like UK + USA have weakened social controls --> rise in crime
Consensus undermined --> anomie (=instability resulting from moral uncertainty about rules and values)
Some societies no longer have the power to deter or socially control individuals from committing criminal / deviant acts