Crime and Deviance: Functionalism

Functionalism and Crime

Functionalists hold a normative opinion of deviance. They argue that if deviance exists then it must be beneficial and functional in any society as deviant activity always exists. 

Durkheim: Four Functions of Crime:

1. Illustrate weaknesses in the law - Legislation is changed and it helps to improve society through structurak differentiation and the moving equilibrium. 
2. Brings communities together - A public enemy is created. It reinstates the value consensus, increases social integrations and decreases suicide. 
3. Punishment heals the wounds of the public - Punishment is expressive and teaches latency. Increases social integration and a sense of community. Carries on the specialised division of labour. 
4. Boundary maintainance - Reminds people of the value consensus. 

Kingsley Davis: Argues that deviance is functional as it acts as a 'safety valve'. Small deviant acts therefore prevent major deviance from occurring. Pornography and prostitution are examples of this.  

Criticisms:

1. Dysfunctions of Crime - The negative side of crime is ignored. There is no positive in domestic violence for example. 
2. Impact of Capitalism - Marxist perspective of inequality. 
3. Doesn't explain why certain groups commit crime - Merton attempts to explain this from a Functionalist perspective, utilising Durkheim's theory.