Comparing Functionalist and Traditional Marxist...

There are many theories on why crime exists as well has who is committing the crimes and the underlying reasons behind it The two main perspectives being Traditional Marxist and Functionalist both with different views they share very little in common, however they do agree that society shapes the individual and not the individual that shapes society. What is meant by that is that we are all products of our upbringings and learn through socialisation what our beliefs are, what we agree on personally and often shared beliefs and the understanding of what is the norm; through our primary interaction with others beginning at home and continuing onto schooling and work. Our beliefs arent always set†¦show more content†¦I was Emile Durkheim who began the study that gave birth to functionalist approaches to crime. Merton brought about further study when he developed his strain theory in the 1930s during the great depression where there were large amounts of unemployment and changes occurring at that time in the US. Merton believed that crime was rife due to values not imitating what was actually happening economically at that time. Thirty years later Hirschi introduced his control theory, which was based upon Durkheims early studies, he agreed with Durkheim on crime being the norm in society. When a serious crime is committed and thus becomes public knowledge through media attention, functionalists believe that there are bonds within society that are strengthened and a sense of horror is felt. Durkheim called this a collective conscience, however not all people follow the masses in mutual horror and can prefer their own needs to those of others. Durkheim had a belief in crime and deviance not just being the makeup of a few sick individuals but is partShow MoreRelatedDifferences Between Conflict And Consensus Theories1864 Words   |  8 PagesIn this essay I plan to compare, contrast and evaluate conflict and consensus theories. The similarities and differences between the two types of theory will be examined, as well as the people behind their development. Using the theoretical perspectives of feminism and functionalism, the role of the nuclear family in modern industrial society will be thoroughly explored and analysed. Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Karl Marx are considered by many to be the fathers of Sociology. Their theories haveRead MoreThe Importance of Demography to Development11868 Words   |  48 Pagesmethodological assessment, and public sociology. Sociological methods, theories, and concepts compel the sociologist to explore the origins of commonly accepted rules governing human behavior. 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