Sociological Theories of Crime

Functionalism treats society like a well-oiled machine where crime actually serves important purposes. Durkheim argued that crime is inevitable because not everyone gets properly socialised, and when multiple subcultures exist with different values, we get anomie - basically a breakdown of shared rules.

Crime isn't just destructive though - it has several key functions. Boundary maintenance happens when society unites against criminals, reminding everyone what's acceptable. Crime can act as a safety valve (minor crimes preventing major ones) and even signal the need for social change when new ideas challenge old norms.

However, functionalism has major blind spots. It explains crime in very general terms and doesn't address why some criminals get harsher treatment than others - particularly why corporate crimes often go unpunished whilst street crimes face the full force of the law.

Remember: Functionalists see crime as serving society's needs, but critics argue this ignores inequality in how justice is actually applied.

Marxism takes a completely different approach, focusing on how capitalism creates the conditions for crime. Marx divided society into the bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers), arguing that economic inequality drives criminal behaviour through exploitation and relative deprivation.

According to Marxists, capitalism is criminogenic - it literally causes crime. When people are pushed into poverty whilst being bombarded with consumer messages, utilitarian crimes like theft become survival strategies. Meanwhile, corporate crimes often receive lenient treatment compared to working-class offences.

The theory also suggests that crime serves ideological functions - making working-class crime highly visible whilst hiding more serious ruling-class crimes. This keeps attention away from capitalism's fundamental inequalities and maintains the status quo.

Think about it: Why might a corporate executive who causes workplace deaths through safety violations receive a fine, whilst someone stealing food gets prison time?