Functionalist Theories of Crime & Deviance - Durkheim | A Level Sociology

Summary

This tutorial video explores Emile Durkheim's functionalist theories on crime and deviance. Durkheim posited that crime is inevitable and even beneficial for society at optimal levels, serving boundary maintenance and fostering social cohesion. He suggested that deviance can act as a catalyst for societal adaptation and change, as seen in movements like civil rights and women's liberation. However, contemporary challenges, such as defining the ideal crime level and the media's role in social change, question the applicability of his theories today.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Emile Durkheim is recognized as one of the founding fathers of sociology and developed theories to explain societal functions and evolution.
• 🔄 Durkheim described society's transition from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity due to rapid social changes like urbanization and industrialization.
• 🚨 He noted that modern society's experiences, especially after the industrial revolution, led to undesirable effects such as poverty, mental illness, and crime.
• 🔍 Durkheim suggested that crime and deviance are normal parts of a healthy society, with crime being inevitable and even desirable at certain levels.
• 🛑 Crime serves a positive function by maintaining boundaries and reinforcing societal values through collective condemnation of deviant acts.
• 🌐 Durkheim believed that deviance can lead to adaptation and change, as deviation from societal norms can gradually shift those norms over time.
• 🏛 Examples of societal change driven by deviance include the civil rights, gay rights, and women's liberation movements.
• 🚨 Durkheim also proposed that crime can act as a 'safety valve', releasing societal tensions that might otherwise lead to more serious issues.
• 📊 While Durkheim's theories are relevant today, defining an 'optimal' level of crime remains challenging.
• 🤔 Durkheim's theories have been criticized for not fully explaining how crime occurs and for the variable impact of deviant behaviors on social change in contemporary society.

Q & A

What are functionalist theories of crime and deviance?

Functionalist theories of crime and deviance suggest that such behaviors serve a purpose in society, helping to maintain social order and cohesion.

Who is Emile Durkheim and what is his contribution to sociology?

Emile Durkheim is considered one of the founding fathers of sociology. He developed theories to explain how society functions and evolves, particularly focusing on the impact of social changes on social cohesion.

What is the concept of 'organic change' as described by Durkheim?

Organic change refers to the gradual social changes that advance society for the better, such as urbanization and industrialization.

How did the rapid social changes after the Industrial Revolution affect society according to Durkheim?

Durkheim observed that rapid social changes led to a loss of organic solidarity and a shift towards mechanical solidarity, resulting in undesirable effects like poverty, mental illness, and crime.

What is the difference between organic and mechanical solidarity?

Organic solidarity is based on interdependence and shared values, while mechanical solidarity is characterized by a more structured and engineered social order, often through institutions like education.

Why did Durkheim believe crime was inevitable in modern society?

Durkheim suggested that crime is a normal part of a healthy society, as it can serve to reinforce social norms and values.

What is the concept of 'boundary maintenance' in Durkheim's theory?

Boundary maintenance refers to how society reacts to criminal behavior to reinforce the value consensus, thereby maintaining social norms and cohesion.

How does Durkheim view the role of deviance in societal change?

Durkheim saw deviance as a way of demonstrating changing attitudes towards the established social order, which can lead to gradual societal change as new behaviors become the norm.

What are some examples of how crime and deviance can act as a safety valve for society according to Durkheim?

Crime and deviance can act as a warning sign of societal drift and can provide a release for tensions that might otherwise lead to more serious criminal activities.

What criticisms can be made of Durkheim's views on crime and deviance?

Critics argue that defining the optimum level of crime is problematic and that Durkheim offers little explanation for the causes of crime beyond frustration. Additionally, some argue that deviant behaviors have less effect on social change in contemporary society.

How does Durkheim's theory relate to contemporary society?

Durkheim's concepts of boundary maintenance and deviance as a form of social change remain relevant today, as seen in public reactions to various forms of crime and social movements.