structuralist theories functionalism marxism subculturalism

Structuralist Theories

• Functionalism

• Marxism

• Subculturalism

Functionalism

• Crime is Normal

• Crime is Inevitable

• Crime is Functional

Crime is normal

• Crime and deviance beyond a certain level is dysfunctional but a certain amount of crime is normal.

• Too little crime or deviance also constitutes a threat to social order because it is unhealthy.

• It indicates that the norms and values are so strong and constricting that they prevent the innovation and change necessary for a healthy society.

Crime is inevitable

• Some people are badly socialised.

Crime is functional

• Functional because of the response it draws from societies.

• Social rules made clear when it has been identified they have been broken.

• Reinforces social solidarity and integrates society.

Criticism

• It suggests that crime and deviance have functions but it does not explain why they occur.

Structuralist - Merton

• Deviance results from the structure of society.

• People share similar goals – value consensus.

• However differing opportunities to achieve them and this can generate deviance.

American Dream

• Success is measured in terms of money and material possessions.

• Achieve success through educational qualifications.

• Winning is important.• Some abandon the rules.• Leads to ANOMIE.• Norms no longer direct behaviour.

Criticism

• Fails to explain crimes of other social classes.

• Fails to explain crimes for non-monetary gain.

• Fails to explain why some in the working-class turn to crime and some do not.

References:

• Haralambos and Holborn, Sociology Themes and Perspectives, Collins, 2004

• Moore, Aiken and Chapman, Dave Aiken, Sociology for A2,

• Collins, 2006