Term
Functionalism on Crime
What does Functionalism say about the cause of crime?
Answer
Explanation
Crime occurs due to anomie, a breakdown or weakening of social norms, leading to deviance.
Positive Functions of Crime: Crime can clarify moral boundaries and promotes social cohesion when society unites in condemnation.
Each theory provides valuable insights into crime, covering different causes, social groups, and types of crime.
What does Functionalism say about the cause of crime?
Crime occurs due to anomie, a breakdown or weakening of social norms, leading to deviance.
What is Merton’s strain theory?
It argues deviance happens when people cannot achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means, leading to adaptations like innovation or rebellion.
Name three positive functions of crime according to Durkheim.
Clarifying moral boundaries, promoting social cohesion, and acting as a safety valve for frustration.
What do Subcultural theories emphasize?
Groups with values different from mainstream society that influence deviant behavior.
What is status frustration in Cohen’s theory?
Working-class youths' frustration at not achieving middle-class success drives them toward delinquent subcultures.
How do Cloward and Ohlin explain access to criminal subcultures?
Through illegitimate opportunity structures available in different communities.
According to Marxism, what underlies crime?
Class conflict, capitalist exploitation, and power inequalities.
How does Marxism view the law?
As a tool protecting ruling class interests by criminalizing working-class behavior while ignoring corporate crime.
What is the labelling theory in Interactionism?
Crime and deviance result from social labels that create a master status and may lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What do Realist theories focus on?
Right realism emphasizes law enforcement and individual choice; left realism emphasizes social causes like marginalization.
How does Feminism view crime differently?
It highlights gender dynamics, male dominance, and often ignored female experiences and victimization.
What is the chivalry thesis in feminist criminology?
The idea that women receive more lenient treatment by the criminal justice system due to patriarchal protection.
What distinct insights do each of these theories provide?
Functionalism and subcultural theories explain youth crime; Marxism shows power; Interactionism shows social construction; Feminism reveals gendered crime; Realism focuses on practical solutions.