Crime and deviance sociology explores how societies understand and respond to criminal behavior through various theoretical perspectives.
Functionalist strain theory and subcultural theories are key frameworks for understanding criminal behavior. According to strain theory, developed by Robert Merton, crime occurs when there's a gap between culturally approved goals and the legitimate means to achieve them. This creates pressure or "strain" that can lead people to pursue success through illegal means. Cloward and Ohlin expanded on this by examining how access to both legitimate and illegitimate opportunities affects criminal behavior, particularly in lower-class areas.
Different responses to strain can lead to various subcultural adaptations. Retreatist subcultures emerge when individuals reject both cultural goals and means, often withdrawing into drug use or homelessness. Emile Durkheim's theory suggests that crime serves essential functions of crime in society, including boundary maintenance and promoting social solidarity. Durkheim argued that crime is both normal and necessary, acting as a safety valve that allows for social change and reinforces moral boundaries. The 4 functions of crime include clarifying rules, uniting society against wrongdoing, allowing for social change, and providing employment in the criminal justice system. While these theories have provided valuable insights, critics point out several strengths and weaknesses of functionalist theory of crime, including its tendency to overlook power dynamics and structural inequalities. The functionalist perspective explains why is crime inevitable in any society, as it serves these essential social functions, though this doesn't mean we should accept all criminal behavior. Understanding these theories helps explain patterns of crime and deviance while informing approaches to crime prevention and social policy.