Sociology of Crime: Functionalist Perspective


Within the functionalist school of thought, crime is viewed as an activity that serves a positive purpose for society. Emile Durkheim, a functionalist, stated in "On the Normality of Crime" that crime can help to reassess and change laws, increase group solidarity, and set boundaries for what is an acceptable behavior and what is not.

An example of a functionalist perspective of crime would be Kingsley Davis' explanation of prostitution.

Davis, on his paper "The Sociology of Prostitution," says that prostitution is a positive function for society because it provides employment for young women, provides adventure and experimentation for men (whose wives may not be able to provide), keeps the family intact, and provides opportunities for unattractive men to have sex.

He also states that if prostitution is negative for society, then why hasn't society done anything to pull the plug on this practice? He argues that many pimps and prostitutes have been arrested throughout the years, but prostitution itself still exists.

Do you see any flaws in this viewpoint?


Many criticize functionalism for not providing any theory of crime and deviance and provides a false teleology. As well, people strongly disagree with the stance that crime is beneficial for society.

Though functionalism is a problematic explanation of crime and deviance, it was popular among a number of theorists from the 1930s to 1950s.

How do you feel about functionalism as a means to explaining crime, deviance, and society? Share your thoughts in the comments.

6 comments:

  1. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. Buy Clapper Boards

    ReplyDelete
  2. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Official Trailer

    ReplyDelete
  3. A Police compel in the UK who lost five hundred officers said there had been a critical ascent in specific regions of crime including house theft and rough crime, which was up on the prior year. The subsidence has additionally prompt an expansion in a few crimes, for example, shoplifting for sustenance.gpwlaw-mi.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. On the off chance that you have a decent working association with your lawyer then you will have the significant serenity that you want.Traffic lawyer in Israel

    ReplyDelete
  5. The defined crime "pay proclamation," developed by the creators, ended up being honest and exact. The finished "pay articulation" expressed that incomes and expenses were almost equivalent.תביעות ייצוגיות

    ReplyDelete
  6. It could spare you cash and help you develop your business with a shrewd individual within who gets the chance to comprehend your business back to front.
    slip and fall injury attorney

    ReplyDelete