Paper Topic:

sociology

Marxist and Functionalist Theories on Crime and Deviance : Comparisons and Contrasts

There are several theories that would account for crime and deviance They emphasize particular aspects and underpinnings of crime and deviance as social phenomena . The Marxist and functionalist theories are just two of them . This brief treatise shall concern itself with the major points and arguments of the two contending philosophical and sociological standpoints , highlighting their parallels and differences

According to the functionalist school of thought , deviance delineates the parameters of one 's morality . The community provides for rules and

br laws to govern social relations and affairs and the people are expected to observe and abide by the same . Deviance is not an intrinsic human behavior , but rather a social construct and the focus of functionalism is not so much on the stimulus that prompted one 's deviation , but on how the resulting actions were perceived by some as normal , while others look at them as downright deviant (Lauderdale , 1976 ,

. 660 Adherents of this theory believes that strict enforcement of existing laws , imposition of disciplinary measures and social naming and labeling can bring about good behavior from members of the society . Under a functionalist set-up , deviant members of the society receive the full force of collective outrage or conscience collective . Good behavior is ascertained based on one 's conformity with the prevailing moral and legal codes of conduct . However , deviance can also contribute to social change as they came to challenge the status quo , proposing alternative or amendments...

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