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Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide

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Demetra

25/03/2023

Criminology

AC2.3 Sociological Theories of Crime- Functionalism

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Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide

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
...

25/03/2023

1416

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

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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.

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

View

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.

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Subjects

Criminology

Social Justice

Social Justice

Social Justice

 

Criminology

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1,416

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11 Jul 2025

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3 pages

Understanding Sociological Theories of Crime: A Student's Guide

user profile picture

Demetra

@demetra_21

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 sociologistsview... Show more

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

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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.

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

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

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Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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Elisha

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