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