The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

A functionalist analysis of deviance looks for the source of deviance

in the nature of society rather than in the biological or

psychological nature of the individual. Although functionalists agree

that social control mechanisms such as the police and the courts are

necessary to keep deviance in check, many argue that a certain amount

of deviance can contribute to the well-being of society.

Durkhiem (1895) believed that:

* Crime is an 'integral part of all healthy societies'. This is

because individuals are exposed to different influences and will

not be committed to the shared values and beliefs of society.

* Crime can be functional. All societies need to progress and all

social change begins with some form of deviance. In order for

change to occur, yesterday's deviance must become tomorrow's

normality. Nelson Mandela, once imprisoned as a 'terrorist',

eventually became president of South Africa.

* Societies need both crime and punishment. Without punishment the

crime rate would reach a point where it became dysfunctional.

Durkheim's views have been developed by A. Cohen (1966) who discussed

two possible functions of deviance:

1. Deviance can be a 'safety valve', providing a relatively harmless

expression of discontent. For example, prostitution enables men to

escape from family life without undermining family stability.

2. Deviant acts can warn society that an aspect is not working

properly, for example widespread truanting from school.

Merton (1938) explains how deviance can result from the culture and

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... (taking advantage of 'insider' knowledge to make huge profits on

the stock exchange). This is illegal, which suggests that

capitalists do not always get the laws they want.

5. 'Left Realists' believe that Marxists put too much emphasis on

corporate crime. Other crimes such as burglary cause greater harm

than Marxists imply. Their victims are usually working-class and

the consequences can be devastating for them.

6. Post-modern Criminology rejects Marxist criminology as being

neither believable nor defensible.

Despite these criticisms, Marxism has been an influence on a number of

critical perspectives on deviance. Some have drawn their inspiration

from Marxism and can be referred to as neo-Marxist approaches. Others

owe less to Marxism and are better defined as radical approaches.