Social Structure
Functionalism
Theory
He believed that everything in society, all its social institutions like family,
religion, media and even crime and deviance serve a function in society and that
help society to function effectively. The organic analogy is that society is similar
to the human body because if all of the ‘organs’ of society are working
correctly, then society will be harmonious and healthy.
Functionalists believe society is based on mutual agreement and unity i.e. on
values consensus. Social rules of behaviour (norms) and important beliefs
(values) are taught by social institutions such as the family and school by a
process called socialisation.
Shared values are what Durkheim calls the ‘collective conscience’.
The transmission of norms and values and the enforcement of laws is essential
if society is to be stable and safe for all. Institutions like the police, courts and
government enforce the norms and values to maintain social control.
Durkheim believed crime was inevitable because individuals are exposed to
different influences and circumstances some people are bound to be different
and break the law. Too much crime leads to society becoming chaotic and
dysfunctional Durkheim called this anomie. If there is no crime and deviance,
however society becomes stagnant and cannot develop.
What usually stops individuals from committing crime is learning what is
considered right and wrong (social norms) from the social institutions of
education and family. Law is also in place as an institution to reinforce those
values and the collective conscience.
Socialisation of shared norms and values is what steers individuals to avoid
crime.
He also believed crime is beneficial as it has 3 main functions for society…
Adaption and change: Durkheim argued that crime and deviance helps society to
How does this evolve.
theory explain Boundary maintenance: crimes can create public outrage which reinforces our
collective conscience (our shared norms + values) and leads to public togetherness.
criminal Crime as a ‘safety value’: some functionalists believe committing some crime can
behaviour be used to relaxation, the stresses of life which can be beneficial for maintaining
social order.
Key terms Socialisation Boundary maintenance
Organic analogy Social norms
Collective conscience Social values
4
Functionalism
Theory
He believed that everything in society, all its social institutions like family,
religion, media and even crime and deviance serve a function in society and that
help society to function effectively. The organic analogy is that society is similar
to the human body because if all of the ‘organs’ of society are working
correctly, then society will be harmonious and healthy.
Functionalists believe society is based on mutual agreement and unity i.e. on
values consensus. Social rules of behaviour (norms) and important beliefs
(values) are taught by social institutions such as the family and school by a
process called socialisation.
Shared values are what Durkheim calls the ‘collective conscience’.
The transmission of norms and values and the enforcement of laws is essential
if society is to be stable and safe for all. Institutions like the police, courts and
government enforce the norms and values to maintain social control.
Durkheim believed crime was inevitable because individuals are exposed to
different influences and circumstances some people are bound to be different
and break the law. Too much crime leads to society becoming chaotic and
dysfunctional Durkheim called this anomie. If there is no crime and deviance,
however society becomes stagnant and cannot develop.
What usually stops individuals from committing crime is learning what is
considered right and wrong (social norms) from the social institutions of
education and family. Law is also in place as an institution to reinforce those
values and the collective conscience.
Socialisation of shared norms and values is what steers individuals to avoid
crime.
He also believed crime is beneficial as it has 3 main functions for society…
Adaption and change: Durkheim argued that crime and deviance helps society to
How does this evolve.
theory explain Boundary maintenance: crimes can create public outrage which reinforces our
collective conscience (our shared norms + values) and leads to public togetherness.
criminal Crime as a ‘safety value’: some functionalists believe committing some crime can
behaviour be used to relaxation, the stresses of life which can be beneficial for maintaining
social order.
Key terms Socialisation Boundary maintenance
Organic analogy Social norms
Collective conscience Social values
4
