Emile Durkheim’s Structural Functional Theory of Crime

According To The Structural Functional Theorist Emile Durkheim Crime – Emile Durkheim’s structural functional theory of crime posits that crime is a normal and necessary part of society. This theory views crime as a social phenomenon that can contribute to social order and cohesion. Durkheim’s theory has been influential in the development of criminological theory, and it continues to be debated today.

According to Durkheim, crime is a product of social solidarity and social anomie. Social solidarity refers to the bonds that unite individuals within a society, while social anomie refers to the lack of social norms and values. Durkheim argued that crime is more likely to occur in societies with low levels of social solidarity and high levels of social anomie.

Emile Durkheim’s Structural Functional Theory

Émile Durkheim’s structural functional theory is a sociological theory that views society as a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain equilibrium. According to Durkheim, crime is a normal and necessary part of society because it serves several important functions.

Functions of Crime

• Crime helps to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior.By punishing criminals, society sends a message about what is considered to be wrong. This helps to socialize individuals into conforming to social norms.
• Crime promotes social solidarity.When people come together to condemn crime, they strengthen their bonds with one another. This sense of solidarity can help to hold society together.
• Crime can lead to social change.By highlighting the problems in society, crime can motivate people to work towards making things better. This can lead to social reforms that benefit everyone.

Crime as a Social Phenomenon

Emile Durkheim, a renowned structural functional theorist, viewed crime as an integral part of society, not a deviation from it. He argued that crime is a social phenomenon that serves specific functions within a social system.

According to Durkheim, crime can be seen as a social phenomenon in several ways:

Social Solidarity and Social Anomie, According To The Structural Functional Theorist Emile Durkheim Crime

Durkheim believed that social solidarity, or the shared values and beliefs that bind individuals together, plays a crucial role in preventing crime. When social solidarity is strong, individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior because they feel connected to and supported by their community.

Conversely, when social solidarity is weak, individuals may feel isolated and alienated, leading to a state of social anomie, or normlessness. In such situations, individuals may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior as they lack clear moral guidance and social control.

According to the structural functional theorist Emile Durkheim, crime is a normal part of society. It is a way for society to regulate itself and to maintain social order. Just like the structure of the digestive system , which helps to break down food and absorb nutrients, crime helps to break down social tensions and to maintain social equilibrium.

Crime is a necessary part of society, and it should not be seen as a problem to be eliminated.

Functions of Crime

According to the functionalist perspective, crime is not necessarily a negative force in society. Durkheim argued that crime can actually contribute to social order and cohesion. He believed that crime serves several important functions:

Clarification of Moral Boundaries

Crime helps to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior. By violating social norms, criminals remind us of what is considered right and wrong. This helps to strengthen the moral consensus and maintain social order.

Social Cohesion

Crime can also bring people together. When a crime is committed, people often rally together to support the victim and condemn the perpetrator. This can create a sense of solidarity and reinforce social bonds.

Social Change

In some cases, crime can even be a force for positive social change. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was sparked by the criminalization of African Americans. This movement led to major changes in American society and helped to improve the lives of millions of people.

Criticisms of Durkheim’s Theory: According To The Structural Functional Theorist Emile Durkheim Crime

Emile Durkheim’s structural functional theory of crime has been influential in the development of criminology. However, it has also been the subject of a number of criticisms.

One criticism of Durkheim’s theory is that it is too deterministic. Durkheim argues that crime is a necessary part of society, and that it serves a number of important functions. However, critics argue that this view of crime ignores the role of individual agency.

They argue that people are not simply pawns of social forces, and that they have the ability to make choices about whether or not to commit crimes.

Another criticism of Durkheim’s theory is that it is too static. Durkheim argues that crime is a normal part of society, and that it will always exist. However, critics argue that this view of crime ignores the fact that crime rates can change over time.

They argue that crime rates are influenced by a number of factors, including social and economic conditions, and that these factors can change over time.

Finally, some critics argue that Durkheim’s theory is too functionalist. Durkheim argues that crime serves a number of important functions for society. However, critics argue that this view of crime ignores the fact that crime can also have negative consequences for society.

They argue that crime can lead to social disorder, economic inequality, and violence.

Criticisms of Durkheim’s Theory: Summary

• Deterministic:Ignores individual agency and choice.
• Static:Assumes crime rates are constant and unchangeable.
• Functionalist:Overemphasizes the positive functions of crime, neglecting its negative consequences.

These criticisms have influenced the development of criminological theory in a number of ways. First, they have led to a greater emphasis on individual agency in criminology. Second, they have led to a greater recognition of the fact that crime rates can change over time.

Third, they have led to a more balanced view of the functions of crime, recognizing both its positive and negative consequences.

Closure

Durkheim’s theory of crime has been criticized for its overemphasis on social factors and its neglect of individual factors. However, it remains a valuable contribution to the study of crime, and it has helped to shape our understanding of the role of society in the development of criminal behavior.