In small groups, discuss the following issue: In TV programmes and films about crime, the offender is almost always caught and brought to justice or suffers an early death. Have you ever seen any programmes in which this does not happen? Would you feel uncomfortable in any way if the police were often shown as unsuccessful, or the criminals usually ‘got away with it’? Using the work of … [Read more...]
Types of Deviant Subcultures
Members of different types of deviant subculture might engage in different acts of deviant behaviour. In small groups, discuss which of the following offences you think would be most likely to be committed by members of ‘criminal’, ‘conflict’ or ‘retreatist’ subcultures. Are there some offences that might be committed by members of all three subcultures? vandalism illegal possession of … [Read more...]
Criticisms of Functionalist Theories of Crime and Deviance
Explain with examples why functionalist explanations of crime and deviance may be criticised for: Assuming that society has universal norms and values. Not seeing the definition of crime and deviance as problematic. Taking official crime statistics at face value. Not explaining differences in the way different deviants are treated. Not examining the role of the agents of … [Read more...]
Functionalist, Strain and Subcultural Theories : Answers to QuickCheck Questions
Boundary maintenance – reinforcing norms and values for the majority; adaptation – facilitating social change; safety-valve, warning of a societal malfunction. The feeling created when individuals find their access to legitimate means of achieving status is blocked+-. Ritualists have lost sight of society’s goals, but still follow the legitimate means or rules; retreatists have … [Read more...]