Lerne mit deinen Freunden und bleibe auf dem richtigen Kurs mit deinen persnlichen Lernstatistiken. " Assess the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Functionalist Approach to Society ". As you're aware, the theory has some clear strengths and weaknesses: ' The idea that sociologists can both demonstrate and explain how and why different individuals with different positions in the social structure are It seeks to explain crime by looking at the nature of society, rather than at individuals. It strengths are seen in the way in which it explains the basic needs and function of society, these explanations can be used by other sociologists to improve and maintain an adequate society. Durkheim argued that crime only became dysfunctional when there was too much or too little of it too much and social order would break down, too little and there would not be sufficient capacity for positive social change. 1) One strength is its ideological appeal (Greenberg, n.d.). This is called selective enforcement. Evaluation of Durkheims Functionalist View of Crime, Durkheim talks about crime in very general terms. While this isn't inherently illegal, many were doing it for illegal reasons, like dodging taxes. Another one of the key functionalist theories of crime was pioneered by Travis Hirschi (1969); we know it as social bonds theory. Cloward and Ohlin make up for Cohen and Merton's theory by addressing and explaining working-class delinquency that's unrelated to monetary gain. It offers an insight into group deviance in the form of subculture formation, but fails to acknowledge crimes committed by the privileged. Interactionism and crime: strengths and weaknesses. Cloward and Ohlin (1961) named three kinds of delinquent subcultures. Weaknesses of Structural Functionalism i). Psychoanalysis, originally intended as a theory to explain therapeutic or psychological concepts, explains the nature of human development and all aspects of mental functioning. What is a neo-Marxist critique of the traditional Marxist view on crime? The form of success their culture values isn't achievable through legitimate means, so they turn to crime to achieve those goals. What explains the existence of crime, according to the Marxist perspective? Durkheim went a step further and argued that a certain amount of crime was functional for society. Why do people commit crime, according to Merton? Their reactions and actions towards them are according to their understanding of such. Postmodernists argue society is so diverse, there is no such thing as normal. To that end, well be diving into functionalist theories of crime or functionalist criminology. Its weaknesses include its lack of attention to individual agency and its overly optimistic view of society. This conflict is between those in positions of power and the powerless, and is caused by the nature of the capitalist system. Those who take the least privileged positions in society are working-class women. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It only focuses on the positive side of society and not the negative aspects. Marxist criminology is important because it studies the crimes of the powerful as well as of the poor. Economic determinism refers to the idea that societys most significant relationships are those which are based on economic factors (such as a relationship between an employer and an employee). Working-class criminals are, Marxists overemphasise the importance of class inequalities at the expense of the social identity markers that can also have oppressive impacts (such as, Marxists argue that the capitalist system encourages. Which of the following is NOT a function of crime, according to functionalists? 806 8067 22 Strengths The theory is largely positive about most things in society, whereas some other sociological perspectives are quick to criticise, functionalists take a consensus approach (in society everyone is working towards the common good). strengths and weaknesses of general theory of crime. (In an essay conclusion,I like to throw in something like postmodernism or neo-marxism (depending on the topic at hand)to add an alternativeperspective, and its not hard to remember! What do Marxist feminists believe is the main cause of crime? - Implies that without labelling, deviance wouldn't exist. Durkheim failed to theorise about the functions of different types of crime. The ideas within this theory can vary from singular descriptions of an idea, person, or place to complex social paradigms. Functionalists assume that society has universal norms and values that are reinforced by certain crimes being punished in public. Functionalist Theories of Crime 2. What are the criticisms of the Marxist theory of crime? What causes crime in society, according to the functionalist theory? The client therapist mutual relationship soon developed as a bond and an attachment as John P revealed his inner fears, his emotional strengths and weaknesses and his general attitude towards life and death and reflected on his illness.. In a way, certain behaviors may be predicted. According to Chambliss (1976), laws that protect property ownership rights are much more loosely implemented than those that protect trade unions. What causes the strain which leads people to a state of anomie? Well begin by defining functionalism as a theory under the branch of structuralism. One of the several branches of feminism is, Marxist feminism is a theory that proposes that gender inequality stems from economic inequalities. Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin (1961) argued that Merton and Cohen both had significant shortcomings in their theories. punishing a murderer is functional for reinforcing social solidarity but isn't functional for the murderer, Functionalism fails to ask 'Functional for whom? Conflict theory also has three major weaknesses. True or false? In effect, the courts and the media are broadcasting the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, warning others not to breach the walls of the law (and therefore society). Following this, Marxists argue that the capitalist system encourages competition, greed, and exploitation with the goal of individual success (rather than collective wellbeing) in mind. This is called. This is the idea that societys most significant relationships are those which are based on economic factors, while all other types of relationships are shaped by the form of the economic relationship. Corporate crimes tend to be more leniently dealt with (if theyre ever prosecuted at all), while financial crimes committed by the poor are almost always pursued by law enforcement. Some of the most popular proponents of radical criminology are Taylor, Walton and Young (1973). Neo-Marxism is a more recent version of traditional Marxist theory, which considers critiques of the original theory when forming explanations of their own. are much more loosely implemented than the laws which govern property ownership rights. While Mertons ideas might come across as slightly Marxist, its important to note that he was a functionalist. ii). Those who take the least privileged positions in society are, Strengths and weaknesses of the Marxist theory of crime, The Marxist theory of crime has the benefit of a. A criminogenic society is one where crime is inevitable due to its nature. Some people certainly think so. Well also be exploring how Durkheims ideas have been extended by the likes of Merton, Cohen, Cloward and Ohlin, and Hirschi. 2 - Wealthy people benefit from more lenient laws, and less frequent prosecution when guilty. Retreatism: rejecting both the goal and the means to achieve it. Strengths And Weaknesses Of Criminological Theories. This can then lead to a range of behavioural reactions where rules and norms are . (Ferris, Kerry, and Jill Stein . Something is criminogenic when it is believed to be the root of criminal or deviant behaviour. - it accounts for a range of deviant acts committed by people from different social backgrounds, with different motivations. Emerge in areas with frequent demographic changes and little social solidarity, where adult crime levels are low. Many studies back up the prevalence and harms of corporate crimes, which Marxism correctly highlights as a key issue of the capitalist system. Theres no objective way of knowing how much crime is beneficial to society, or how much is excessive and has the potential to lead to a dysfunctional society. Corporate crimes tend to be more leniently dealt with (if theyre ever prosecuted at all), while financial crimes committed by the poor are almost always pursued by law enforcement. According to mile Durkheim (1964), a limited amount of crime is inevitable. It provides a very harmonious view of society and the family. Capitalism provides the context in which women can be exploited by men within the market. Another key difference between functionalist and Marxist theories of crime rests on causation. Examples of laws that appear to reflect the interests of the proletariat include the minimum wage, workplace safety, and anti-monopolistic regulations. Merton's strain theory considers the specific motivations behind crimes, accounting for both an individuals view of dominant cultural goals as well as their perceived means of achieving them. Before we look at Marxist theories of crime, it may be helpful to have a reminder of Marxism generally. Sign up to highlight and take notes. More specifically, societys laws tend to enhance the occurrence of trade, industry growth, and private ownership. Locating the societal response within the wider context with questions about who defines, and what is defined as criminal. ', Crime doesn't always promote social solidarity it may have the opposite effect. The state not only wants to protect these profits but also to continue to get along with corporations so that their profitability is perpetuated. This is called economic determinism. Functionalism approach to Crime & Deviance The advantages of what Functionalism tells us about Crime and Deviance, and how other approaches, such as Marxism and Feminism criticise their theories :) Useful for AQA exam essay revision ? Durkheim suggested that the function of punishment was not to remove crime from society altogether, because society needed crime. This theory. The capitalist system is ___________. Let's go through Durkheim's key points about the role of crime in society. Here are a few examples: The existence of laws protecting the ruling class is slightly more obscure in more developed countries than in third-world countries. So, male, working-class delinquents engage in deviant behaviours to gain each others respect - but also as a means to strike back at the society which has rejected these young men by framing them as failures. There is a shared sense of anger towards the breach of morals that the criminal has committed. There are three main aspects to Durkheims theory of crime: Durkheim developed his theory of crime and deviance in The Rules of Sociological Method, first published in 1895. This essay will go on to show the origins of labelling theory, the theory itself and will show its strengths and weaknesses using various case-studies and examples. What do functionalists think the three main functions of crime are? Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. Structuralism is a branch of sociology in which broad social structures, such as the law, education, the mass media (and many more) are responsible for shaping human behaviour. Social control is implemented by the bourgeoisie (ruling class) upon the proletariat (working class), based on the premise of economic determinism. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. What is the common theme between Durkheims, Mertons and Cohens explanations of crime and deviance? In order to understand various sociological theories about crime, it helps to start by learning the four main theories about social deviance. Functionalism is the belief that every aspect of society is essential for the stability of the whole society. The capitalist society glorifies the maximisation of profits and ownership and therefore encourages the pursuit of individual successes over collective wellbeing. False. Functionalism, as one of the key perspectives in sociology, allows us to reconsider whether the structures of society are working for everyone. However those who do not, are punished with stigma, fines and imprisonment. One of the several branches of feminism is Marxist feminism. Marxism is a conflict structuralist theory in sociology, pioneered by Karl Marx and Friederich Engels (1848). 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, functionalist, strain, and subcultural theories, Sociology Functionalist Theory Crime & Deviance, Functionalism, Strain and Sub-cultural theories, AQA A Level Sociology Paper 3 7192/3 - 13 Jun 2022 [Exam Chat] , Sociology - Education with theory and methods , OCR A Level Sociology Debates in contemporary society H580/03 - 13 Jun 2022 [Chat] , AQA Sociology question - women and crime , A-level AQA Sociology Paper 1, 2, 3 7192 22nd May, 4th + 12th Jun 2019 , AQA A-level Sociology new 1, 2 & 3: 7192 - 08, 15 & 20 Jun 2017 [Exam Discussion] , Functionalism is useful in showing which deviance is integral to society, It provides an important and interesting analysis that shows that crime can actually have hidden functions for society, Therefore suggesting that not everything is bad in society is bad for society, Durkheim offers no way of knowing how much crime is the right level for society, As functionalist analysis is based on the functions that crime performs for society it ignores how crime affects different groups or individuals in society e.g. dirty simon says ideas, how to share a google doc with a group, For Cohen and Merton 's theory by addressing and explaining working-class delinquency that 's unrelated to gain! 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strengths and weaknesses of functionalist theory of crime