1. https://sociologytux.wordpress.com/
Functionalism
Overview
Crime is normal
Maintains value consensus
If no crime, even simplistic things will become criminal
If no values being reinforced= anomie (normlessness)
Durkheim
Crime is normal and functional
Promotes solidarity ‘express public temper’- reinforces a collective conscience
Maintains boundaries- reinforces accepted norms/values
Safety valve- ‘let of steam’ to prevent worse deviance
Promotes social progression- need a little bit of crime to move forward
Merton
Develops Durkheim's concept of anomie
Modern societies goals place strain on people to achieve them
When the goal is emphasised more than means- crime and deviance occurs
Modes of adaption:
Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion
Subcultural theory
Overview
Use official statistics of a typical criminal
Subcultures formed by working class, normalise criminal behaviour
Cohen
Status frustration
Can’t achieve same goals as middle class to gain status
Working class gain status through crime/deviance
Cloward and Ohlin
Miller