Structural Functionalist Theory on High Crime Rates

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF HIGH CRIME RATES

The structural functionalist theory is one of the theories used by sociologists in an attempt at explaining the various ways in which sections of the society meet their demands . the theory tries to justify how social institutions meet their various demands in the society . the structural functionalist theory was hinged on the ideas of Emile Durkeim . He was exploring the various methods used by people to maintain a stable society , and at the same time , survive . He tried to demystify the apparent cohesion and stability

that existed in the society in a bid to survive over time

However , modern sociologists have tried to elaborate on Durkeim 's theory , using different perspectives . The conflict theory suggests that the society thrives on competition , and not solidarity . The Symbolic interaction , on the other hand tries to explain the relationship between humans and the society , saying , in essence that exchanging meaningful communication can provide an understanding of human action and interrelation

These perspectives , in addition to a host of other perspectives seek to explain the behavior of individuals

The functionalist view of crime views crime in a positive way . it states that crime is not a threat to the integrity of the society . Durkeim stated that crime is an integral part of any society

In view of this , a high crime rate can be imagined to strengthen the laws as people continue to adjust to new sets of rules and guidelines the absence of crime means that the judicial system remains redundant it also depicts the absence of morals

A high crime rate however is suggestive of the fact that people are under the yoke of an authoritarian administration , or that there is a significant deterioration in the shared guidelines establishing the boundary between morality and immorality . This situation moreover has negated the positive view of crime in the society , propounded by Durkeim in the Structural Functionalist Theory

REFERENCE

http /www .criminology .fsu .edu /crimtheory /week7 .htm ...