Unit 4 SCLY4 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods; Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
Other
Crime and Deviance: Functionalism and Crime with Strain Theory Class Notes
4 views 0 purchase
Course
Unit 4 SCLY4 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods; Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
Institution
AQA
For anyone studying Crime and Deviance in Sociology at A or AS Level, this document provides a thorough companion to your classes and textbook. Lesson 1/8 focuses on Functionalism and Crime with Strain Theory: views, reasons, case studies and evaluations, as well as all key terms and sociologists s...
Unit 4 SCLY4 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods; Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
All documents for this subject (273)
Seller
Follow
EstherBurrage
Content preview
Crime and Deviance: Lesson 1
Functionalism and Crime
Key Terms: Durkheim- Crime is an integral part of all healthy societies.
Functionalism- seeing all the different Functionalists believe that social order is mainlined in
parts of society working together like society because of shared values and economic
the parts of a well-oiled machine. independence.
Consensus- society being held together
by people sharing a set of key norms They believe that crime is inevitable, normal, and necessary:
and values. - It enables social change
Deviance- actions which deviate from - It strengthens collective values
the norms and values of society. - It allows a mental ‘release’
Crime- a form of deviance which breaks - It acts as a warning device
the law. - It reinforces ideas about right and wrong
Sociologists: - It provides work (e.g. police, courts, etc)
Emile Durkheim- founding father of
Functionalist. Criminal acts allow society to identify any changes in the
behaviours they are permitting.
Crime is most threatening when individuals are self-seeking and prefer to look after their own interests at the
expense of others within society.
Criticisms of Durkheim:
- What is the ‘right’ amount of crime?
- He fails to explain why people commit crimes.
- He assumes that the law reflects the values of the majority and not just the values of those most viible
in society or those creating them.
Summary:
Functionalists such as Durkheim believe that crime is an integral part of having a healthy society. There
are many different positive functions of crime, such as enabling social change and strengthening social
values. However, Functionalists are criticised with the question of what is the ‘right’ amount of crime,
why is crime committed, and do the laws benefit everyone?
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller EstherBurrage. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.29. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
