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Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide

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Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide
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Demetra

@demetra_21

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Sociological theories of crime and their evaluation through functionalist and strain theory perspectives form the foundation of understanding criminal behavior in society. This comprehensive overview explores key theories from Emile Durkheim, Robert Merton, and Albert Cohen.

  • Functionalist sociologists view crime as an inevitable and sometimes functional part of society
  • Merton's strain theory explains how social inequality leads to different adaptations to societal pressure
  • Status frustration theory by Cohen addresses non-monetary crimes and subcultures
  • These theories collectively provide a framework for understanding both utilitarian and non-utilitarian crime
  • The perspectives consider both individual and societal factors in criminal behavior

3/25/2023

980

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

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Page 3: Status Frustration Theory

The final page explores status frustration theory criminology developed by Albert Cohen, focusing on non-utilitarian crimes.

Definition: Status frustration occurs when individuals cannot achieve society's goals through legitimate means, leading them to seek alternative ways to gain status.

Highlight: Cohen's theory specifically addresses crimes that don't have monetary value, expanding on Merton's work.

Example: Subcultures develop their own norms and values distinct from wider society, providing alternative means of gaining status.

The theory's strengths include its ability to explain non-utilitarian crimes and the formation of criminal subcultures.

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

View

Page 1: Functionalism and Durkheim's Theory

The first page introduces functionalism theory in sociology through Durkheim's perspective. Emile Durkheim's theory explains how social order is maintained through shared norms and values.

Definition: Functionalism views society as a stable structure where every part has a specific purpose, similar to organs in a body.

Example: Just as the human body has mechanisms to fight disease, society has institutions like police to deal with crime.

Highlight: Durkheim argued that crime is functional, normal, and inevitable in society, only becoming problematic when levels are too high or too low.

The organic analogy is presented to explain how society functions:

Quote: "Crime performs the function of social regulation by reaffirming the boundaries of acceptable behaviour."

Vocabulary: Anomie - A state where shared norms become weakened, leading to deviant behavior.

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

View

Page 2: Evaluation and Strain Theory

This page covers the evaluation of Durkheim's theory and introduces theories of crime in criminology through Merton's strain theory.

Definition: Strain theory recognizes that society doesn't offer equal opportunities to all members, creating tension between social goals and available opportunities.

Merton's five adaptations to strain are detailed:

  • Conformity
  • Innovation
  • Ritualism
  • Retreatism
  • Rebellion

Example: Drug dealers represent innovation by accepting society's goals but using disapproved means to achieve them.

Highlight: The theory explains why working-class crime rates tend to be higher due to limited legitimate opportunities.

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Subjects

/

Criminology

/

Social justice

/

Social justice

/

Social justice

Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide

user profile picture

Demetra

@demetra_21

·

354 Followers

Follow

Sociological theories of crime and their evaluation through functionalist and strain theory perspectives form the foundation of understanding criminal behavior in society. This comprehensive overview explores key theories from Emile Durkheim, Robert Merton, and Albert Cohen.

  • Functionalist sociologists view crime as an inevitable and sometimes functional part of society
  • Merton's strain theory explains how social inequality leads to different adaptations to societal pressure
  • Status frustration theory by Cohen addresses non-monetary crimes and subcultures
  • These theories collectively provide a framework for understanding both utilitarian and non-utilitarian crime
  • The perspectives consider both individual and societal factors in criminal behavior

3/25/2023

980

 

12

 

Criminology

36

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

Page 3: Status Frustration Theory

The final page explores status frustration theory criminology developed by Albert Cohen, focusing on non-utilitarian crimes.

Definition: Status frustration occurs when individuals cannot achieve society's goals through legitimate means, leading them to seek alternative ways to gain status.

Highlight: Cohen's theory specifically addresses crimes that don't have monetary value, expanding on Merton's work.

Example: Subcultures develop their own norms and values distinct from wider society, providing alternative means of gaining status.

The theory's strengths include its ability to explain non-utilitarian crimes and the formation of criminal subcultures.

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

Page 1: Functionalism and Durkheim's Theory

The first page introduces functionalism theory in sociology through Durkheim's perspective. Emile Durkheim's theory explains how social order is maintained through shared norms and values.

Definition: Functionalism views society as a stable structure where every part has a specific purpose, similar to organs in a body.

Example: Just as the human body has mechanisms to fight disease, society has institutions like police to deal with crime.

Highlight: Durkheim argued that crime is functional, normal, and inevitable in society, only becoming problematic when levels are too high or too low.

The organic analogy is presented to explain how society functions:

Quote: "Crime performs the function of social regulation by reaffirming the boundaries of acceptable behaviour."

Vocabulary: Anomie - A state where shared norms become weakened, leading to deviant behavior.

<h2 id="functionalisttheoryofcrime">Functionalist Theory of Crime</h2> <p>The theory of Functionalism originated in the 19th century throug

Page 2: Evaluation and Strain Theory

This page covers the evaluation of Durkheim's theory and introduces theories of crime in criminology through Merton's strain theory.

Definition: Strain theory recognizes that society doesn't offer equal opportunities to all members, creating tension between social goals and available opportunities.

Merton's five adaptations to strain are detailed:

  • Conformity
  • Innovation
  • Ritualism
  • Retreatism
  • Rebellion

Example: Drug dealers represent innovation by accepting society's goals but using disapproved means to achieve them.

Highlight: The theory explains why working-class crime rates tend to be higher due to limited legitimate opportunities.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying