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A Level Sociology: Functionalist, Strain, and Subcultural Theories Explained

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Saffron

30/05/2023

Sociology

Crime & Deviance Topic 1- Functionalist, Strain and Subcultural Strain Theories

1,681

30 May 2023

2 pages

A Level Sociology: Functionalist, Strain, and Subcultural Theories Explained

Functionalist, strain and subcultural theories explain crime and deviance from... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
1 / 2
Durkheim:
●
●
●
●
Other functions of crime:
Davis (1961)- prostitution is a safety valve that helps men release frustrations without threate

Subcultural Theories and Their Applications

Subcultural theories in sociology and criminology provide deeper insights into group deviance and the formation of alternative value systems within society.

Cohen's theory on working-class boys:

  • Explains status frustration in middle-class educational environments
  • Demonstrates how delinquent subcultures offer alternative status hierarchies
  • Accounts for non-utilitarian crime through value inversion

Highlight: Subcultural theories help explain why individuals commit crimes that don't provide material benefits, addressing a limitation of Merton's strain theory.

Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory:

  1. Criminal subcultures: Arise in areas with established crime networks
  2. Conflict subcultures: Develop in neighborhoods with high population turnover
  3. Retreatist subcultures: Form among "double failures" in both legitimate and illegitimate structures

Definition: A retreatist subculture in sociology refers to groups that reject both societal goals and means, often characterized by drug use and withdrawal from mainstream society.

Example: A criminal subculture might provide a "career ladder" for young offenders, offering training and advancement in professional crime.

Evaluation of subcultural theories:

  • Provide explanations for group deviance and non-utilitarian crime
  • May oversimplify the complexity of individual motivations and choices
  • Assume working-class individuals initially share middle-class values, which may not always be the case

Vocabulary: Illegitimate opportunity structure refers to the alternative pathways for success and status available through criminal or deviant activities.

These theories collectively offer a comprehensive framework for understanding crime and deviance from a sociological perspective, highlighting the interplay between social structures, cultural norms, and individual adaptations to societal pressures.

Durkheim:
●
●
●
●
Other functions of crime:
Davis (1961)- prostitution is a safety valve that helps men release frustrations without threate

Functionalist, Strain and Subcultural Theories in Sociology

Functionalist theory views crime as an integral part of society, serving specific functions. Durkheim's theory posits that crime is normal and even necessary for social cohesion and progress.

Key aspects of functionalist and strain theories:

  • Crime serves as boundary maintenance, reinforcing societal norms
  • Deviance can lead to adaptation and social change
  • Merton's strain theory explains crime as a result of societal pressure
  • Subcultural theories explore how alternative value systems emerge

Highlight: Functionalism demonstrates how crime and deviance are crucial to society's functioning, often reinforcing solidarity after major crimes.

Example: The legalization of gay marriage is an instance of how deviance can lead to social progress and change in norms.

Vocabulary: Safety valve in sociology refers to mechanisms that release social tensions without threatening core societal structures.

Evaluation of functionalist perspectives:

  • Provides insights into crime's role in social cohesion
  • Ignores negative impacts on individuals
  • Difficulty in determining the "right" amount of crime

Strain theory, developed by Merton, explains deviance as a result of pressure between societal goals and available means. It outlines five adaptations to strain:

  1. Conformity
  2. Innovation
  3. Ritualism
  4. Retreatism
  5. Rebellion

Definition: Non-utilitarian crime refers to criminal acts not motivated by material gain, often explained by subcultural theories.

Subcultural strain theories:

  • Cohen's theory focuses on working-class boys in middle-class school systems
  • Explains formation of delinquent subcultures as alternative status hierarchies
  • Cloward and Ohlin's theory examines different types of subcultures based on illegitimate opportunities

Example: A conflict subculture in sociology might emerge in neighborhoods with high population turnover, where violence and territorial disputes are common.



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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.

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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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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Sociology

1,681

30 May 2023

2 pages

A Level Sociology: Functionalist, Strain, and Subcultural Theories Explained

Functionalist, strain and subcultural theories explain crime and deviance from sociological perspectives. These theories explore how social structures and cultural norms influence criminal behavior, offering insights into the causes and functions of crime in society. Functionalist theory of crime examples... Show more

Durkheim:
●
●
●
●
Other functions of crime:
Davis (1961)- prostitution is a safety valve that helps men release frustrations without threate

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Subcultural Theories and Their Applications

Subcultural theories in sociology and criminology provide deeper insights into group deviance and the formation of alternative value systems within society.

Cohen's theory on working-class boys:

  • Explains status frustration in middle-class educational environments
  • Demonstrates how delinquent subcultures offer alternative status hierarchies
  • Accounts for non-utilitarian crime through value inversion

Highlight: Subcultural theories help explain why individuals commit crimes that don't provide material benefits, addressing a limitation of Merton's strain theory.

Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory:

  1. Criminal subcultures: Arise in areas with established crime networks
  2. Conflict subcultures: Develop in neighborhoods with high population turnover
  3. Retreatist subcultures: Form among "double failures" in both legitimate and illegitimate structures

Definition: A retreatist subculture in sociology refers to groups that reject both societal goals and means, often characterized by drug use and withdrawal from mainstream society.

Example: A criminal subculture might provide a "career ladder" for young offenders, offering training and advancement in professional crime.

Evaluation of subcultural theories:

  • Provide explanations for group deviance and non-utilitarian crime
  • May oversimplify the complexity of individual motivations and choices
  • Assume working-class individuals initially share middle-class values, which may not always be the case

Vocabulary: Illegitimate opportunity structure refers to the alternative pathways for success and status available through criminal or deviant activities.

These theories collectively offer a comprehensive framework for understanding crime and deviance from a sociological perspective, highlighting the interplay between social structures, cultural norms, and individual adaptations to societal pressures.

Durkheim:
●
●
●
●
Other functions of crime:
Davis (1961)- prostitution is a safety valve that helps men release frustrations without threate

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

Functionalist, Strain and Subcultural Theories in Sociology

Functionalist theory views crime as an integral part of society, serving specific functions. Durkheim's theory posits that crime is normal and even necessary for social cohesion and progress.

Key aspects of functionalist and strain theories:

  • Crime serves as boundary maintenance, reinforcing societal norms
  • Deviance can lead to adaptation and social change
  • Merton's strain theory explains crime as a result of societal pressure
  • Subcultural theories explore how alternative value systems emerge

Highlight: Functionalism demonstrates how crime and deviance are crucial to society's functioning, often reinforcing solidarity after major crimes.

Example: The legalization of gay marriage is an instance of how deviance can lead to social progress and change in norms.

Vocabulary: Safety valve in sociology refers to mechanisms that release social tensions without threatening core societal structures.

Evaluation of functionalist perspectives:

  • Provides insights into crime's role in social cohesion
  • Ignores negative impacts on individuals
  • Difficulty in determining the "right" amount of crime

Strain theory, developed by Merton, explains deviance as a result of pressure between societal goals and available means. It outlines five adaptations to strain:

  1. Conformity
  2. Innovation
  3. Ritualism
  4. Retreatism
  5. Rebellion

Definition: Non-utilitarian crime refers to criminal acts not motivated by material gain, often explained by subcultural theories.

Subcultural strain theories:

  • Cohen's theory focuses on working-class boys in middle-class school systems
  • Explains formation of delinquent subcultures as alternative status hierarchies
  • Cloward and Ohlin's theory examines different types of subcultures based on illegitimate opportunities

Example: A conflict subculture in sociology might emerge in neighborhoods with high population turnover, where violence and territorial disputes are common.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user