Durkeims theory sees society as a stable structure based on shared norms, values and beliefs which produces social solidarity

they believe crime in inevitable as some individuals are inadequately socialised. society contain many social groups each with different values so shared rules become unclear. This is called 'anomie'

boundary maintenance - crime produces a reaction that unites society against the wrongdoer reminding them of right and wrong

social change - individuals with new ideas must challenge existing norms and values, at first this will be seen as deviant eg nelson Mandela jailed for opposing apartheid but eventually it was overthrown and he was elected president

warning light - deviance indicates an institution isn't working eg high truancy rates could indicate something wrong with education system

believes the root cause of crime is in the unequal structure of society

Americans value 'money success' and wealth as the goal people should pursue and should achieve this goal through legitimatly.

blocked opportunities - many cannot achieve this goal legitmatily and often working - class blocked by money and poverty. this creates a 'strain' between the goal and legitimate ways

4 deviant ways to achieve goal - innovation - accept the goal but find illegal ways. ritualism - give up striving for success. retreatism - drop outs who reject both the goals and means. (vagrants). - rebellion - replace goals and means with new ones (political radicles)

subcultures are groups who norms and values are deviant

key idea subcultures enable their members to gain success by illegitimate means

ALBERT COHEN - status frustration - agrees that deviance is as result from the lower class. sees subcultures deviance as a group response to failure. focuses on non-utilitarian crimes (vandalism). the subcultures offers a solution by providing an alternative status hierarchy for delinquent actions.

criminal subcultures - areas where there is a longstanding criminal network.

conflict subcultures - only criminal opportunities are within street gangs. provides a release of fustration

retreats subcultures - made up of dropouts who failed in both legitimate and illegitimate ways