WJEC Criminology - Sociological theories
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1. Functionalism Durkheim believed that crime and deviance was: Inevitable, Relative and func-
tional. This is because of the main three elements of positive contribution which
is reaffirming the boundaries, changing values and social cohesion
2. Boundary main- When a crime is committed,it produces a reaction that unites society's members
tanince (Function- against the wrongdoers as a reminder of shared rules
alism)
3. Social change In order to progress as a society, individuals must challenge social norms and
(Functionalism) values even if this is first see as deviant
4. Safety value (Func- Certain amount of crime and deviance is seen as normal and an integral part pf
tionalism) al healthy societies. This is because it acts as a 'safety value' providing a relatively
harmless way for someone to express their discontent
5. The functionalist Shows how deviance is necessary to kickstart social change
theory is useful
6. Functionalist theo- Has real life applications as some laws may have never been introduced if it
ry has practical ap- wasnt for criminality taking place
plications
7. Functionalism is Functionaism doesnt explain why some groups are more prone to deviance than
not clear others
8. Functionalism cant Doesnt explain why certain forms of deviance are associated with certain groups
explain everything in population
9. Merton's strain Deviance occurs when approved goals cant be achieved due to blocked aspira-
theory tions.
10. Conformity (Strain Accepting both thhe goals and the institutionalised means of achieving them
theory)
1/5
, WJEC Criminology - Sociological theories
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h0w9b8
11. Innovation (Strain Innovators accept the goal but find illegal ways to achieve
theory)
12. Ritualism (Strain Ritualists give up striving for success
theory)
13. Retreatism (Strain Retreatism reject the goal and means
theory)
14. Rebellion (Strain Rebels reject the existing goal and replace them with new ones wth the aim of
theory) changing society
15. Capitalism An economic system in which trade, industry and the means of roduction are
privately owned and operated for profit.
16. Marxism Capitalism is only by the higher class (Bourgeoisie) based on competition,
selfishness and greed which causes the working class (proletariat) to commit
crimes in order to survive. However, the law protects the rich and powerful as
they make it appear that most crime is committed by the working class.
17. William Chambliss He identified selective law enforcement in seattle. 70% of arrests were for public
(1978) drunkenness whilst white collar crime involving leading politicians, police and
big businesses, some of it relating to organised crime involving prostitution were
all but ignored
18. Carson (1971) In a sample of 200 firms, found all had broken health and safety laws, yet only
1.5% of cases were prosecuted.
19. Bonger (1916) Said that robbery and property theft are inevitable responses to the extremes of
wealth and poverty in captalists society. Individuas are forced into crimme by the
structure of society
20. Demonstrates how the law reflects differences in power between the social
classes and how inequality in society may lead to crime
2/5
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h0w9b8
1. Functionalism Durkheim believed that crime and deviance was: Inevitable, Relative and func-
tional. This is because of the main three elements of positive contribution which
is reaffirming the boundaries, changing values and social cohesion
2. Boundary main- When a crime is committed,it produces a reaction that unites society's members
tanince (Function- against the wrongdoers as a reminder of shared rules
alism)
3. Social change In order to progress as a society, individuals must challenge social norms and
(Functionalism) values even if this is first see as deviant
4. Safety value (Func- Certain amount of crime and deviance is seen as normal and an integral part pf
tionalism) al healthy societies. This is because it acts as a 'safety value' providing a relatively
harmless way for someone to express their discontent
5. The functionalist Shows how deviance is necessary to kickstart social change
theory is useful
6. Functionalist theo- Has real life applications as some laws may have never been introduced if it
ry has practical ap- wasnt for criminality taking place
plications
7. Functionalism is Functionaism doesnt explain why some groups are more prone to deviance than
not clear others
8. Functionalism cant Doesnt explain why certain forms of deviance are associated with certain groups
explain everything in population
9. Merton's strain Deviance occurs when approved goals cant be achieved due to blocked aspira-
theory tions.
10. Conformity (Strain Accepting both thhe goals and the institutionalised means of achieving them
theory)
1/5
, WJEC Criminology - Sociological theories
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h0w9b8
11. Innovation (Strain Innovators accept the goal but find illegal ways to achieve
theory)
12. Ritualism (Strain Ritualists give up striving for success
theory)
13. Retreatism (Strain Retreatism reject the goal and means
theory)
14. Rebellion (Strain Rebels reject the existing goal and replace them with new ones wth the aim of
theory) changing society
15. Capitalism An economic system in which trade, industry and the means of roduction are
privately owned and operated for profit.
16. Marxism Capitalism is only by the higher class (Bourgeoisie) based on competition,
selfishness and greed which causes the working class (proletariat) to commit
crimes in order to survive. However, the law protects the rich and powerful as
they make it appear that most crime is committed by the working class.
17. William Chambliss He identified selective law enforcement in seattle. 70% of arrests were for public
(1978) drunkenness whilst white collar crime involving leading politicians, police and
big businesses, some of it relating to organised crime involving prostitution were
all but ignored
18. Carson (1971) In a sample of 200 firms, found all had broken health and safety laws, yet only
1.5% of cases were prosecuted.
19. Bonger (1916) Said that robbery and property theft are inevitable responses to the extremes of
wealth and poverty in captalists society. Individuas are forced into crimme by the
structure of society
20. Demonstrates how the law reflects differences in power between the social
classes and how inequality in society may lead to crime
2/5
