What are the functionalist perspectives on crime and deviance?

Functionalists believe that crimes are functional for society. Durkheim argues that crimes have 6 positive functions e.g. prostitution acting as a safety valvue to ensure that the most important part of society (family) isn't broken. Merton uses strain theory to explain crime as individuals term to crime as a way to meet the goals of mainstream society which are met in illegitimate means. For example, a societal goal is having wealth and in order to show this wealth, individuals buy branded goods but if someone can't afford this, they might shoplift in order to reach this goal. Hirschi uses his idea of control theory to explain why individual's don't commit crimes. He argues that individuals have bonds to different aspects of society such as the bond to the family. If these bonds are strong then individuals are less likely to commit crimes as they have responsibilities and loyalties to others which aren't worth risking committing a crime for.

Related Sociology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline two ways in which the organisation of schooling may be ethnocentric (4 marks)


Discuss two processes affecting student attainment


Evaluate the View that the Main Aim of the Family is to Meet the Needs of Capitalism


How can i learn theoretical perspectives for sociology?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences