Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
No Result
View All Result

Adaptation and Change in Relation to Functionalist Ideas of Crime and Deviance

Easy Sociology by Easy Sociology
January 2, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024
in Functionalism, Sociology of Crime & Deviance
Home Sociological Perspectives Functionalism
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on Telegram

Crime and deviance are complex social phenomena that have been studied and analyzed by various sociological perspectives. One such perspective is functionalism, which views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain social order and stability. According to functionalists, crime and deviance serve important functions in society and can be understood in terms of adaptation and change.

Adaptation refers to the ability of individuals and social systems to adjust to changing circumstances. In the context of crime and deviance, adaptation can be seen as a response to social, economic, and cultural changes that occur within a society. Functionalists argue that crime and deviance can be seen as adaptive responses to societal needs and pressures.

One way in which crime and deviance can be viewed as adaptive is through the concept of strain theory. According to strain theory, individuals experience strain when they are unable to achieve culturally defined goals through legitimate means. This strain can lead to deviant behavior as individuals seek alternative ways to achieve their goals. For example, in a society where there is a high emphasis on material success but limited opportunities for economic advancement, individuals may turn to criminal activities such as theft or fraud as a means of achieving wealth and status.

Functionalists also argue that crime and deviance can serve as mechanisms for social change. Deviant behavior can challenge existing norms and values, leading to social reform and the creation of new social structures. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was driven by acts of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests, which were considered deviant at the time. These acts of deviance ultimately led to significant social and legal changes, such as the desegregation of schools and the passage of civil rights legislation.

Furthermore, functionalists suggest that the existence of crime and deviance can strengthen social bonds and reinforce social norms. The punishment and control of deviant behavior can serve to reaffirm shared values and expectations within a society. For example, when a criminal is apprehended and punished, it sends a message to others that certain behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This helps to maintain social order and cohesion.

However, it is important to note that functionalist perspectives on crime and deviance have been criticized for their tendency to focus on the positive functions of deviant behavior while neglecting the negative consequences. Critics argue that functionalism downplays the harmful effects of crime and deviance on individuals and communities, such as the trauma experienced by victims and the social and economic costs of criminal activities.

In conclusion, functionalist ideas of crime and deviance emphasize the adaptive nature of these phenomena in response to societal changes. Adaptation and change can be seen in the form of strain theory, where individuals turn to deviant behavior as a response to unattainable goals. Additionally, crime and deviance can serve as mechanisms for social change, challenging existing norms and leading to social reform. While functionalist perspectives provide valuable insights into the functions of crime and deviance, it is crucial to consider the negative consequences and impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

Tags: crimedevianceFunctionalism
Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology is your go-to resource for clear, accessible, and expert sociological insights. With a foundation built on advanced sociological expertise and a commitment to making complex concepts understandable, Easy Sociology offers high-quality content tailored for students, educators, and enthusiasts. Trusted by readers worldwide, Easy Sociology bridges the gap between academic research and everyday understanding, providing reliable resources for exploring the social world.

Related Articles

A group of people praying for their religion

The Impact of Faith Schools on Value Consensus: A Functionalism Perspective

January 14, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024

This blog post explores the concept of functionalism in sociology and its application to faith schools. It discusses how faith...

silhouette of female prisoner - crime and deviance

The Marxist View of Crime and Deviance

January 7, 2024 - Updated on December 9, 2024

Introduction Marxist perspectives on crime and deviance offer a critical view of the societal structures that produce and regulate these...

Next Post
a boundary post in a field

Understanding Boundary Maintenance in Functionalist Thinking on Crime and Deviance

two hands handcuffed against plain background - crime and deviance in functionalism

The Inevitability of Crime: A Sociological Perspective on Functionalism

graffiti on a wall saying 'norms'

Understanding Norms in Sociology

Please login to join discussion

GET THE LATEST SOCIOLOGY

Get the latest sociology articles direct to you inbox with the Easy Sociology newsletter. (We don't spam or sell your email).

POLL

How Can We Improve Easy Sociology?

Recommended

black and white photo of a black lives matter protest - inequality

The Functionalist View of Inequality in Sociology

January 7, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024
An abstract piece in various shades of blue and pink

Understanding Axioms in Sociology

March 1, 2024 - Updated on July 9, 2024

24 Hour Trending

  • a black punk giving the middle finger - school counter culture

    Understanding Delinquency: Causes, Consequences, and Sociological Theories

    697 shares
    Share 279 Tweet 174
  • The Generalized Other in Sociology

    455 shares
    Share 182 Tweet 114
  • Understanding Norms in Sociology

    322 shares
    Share 129 Tweet 81
  • Pierre Bourdieu’s Symbolic Violence: An Outline and Explanation

    2421 shares
    Share 968 Tweet 605
  • Social Constructionism vs. Social Constructivism: A Comparison

    497 shares
    Share 199 Tweet 124

Easy Sociology makes sociology as easy as possible. Our aim is to make sociology accessible for everybody.

© 2023 Easy Sociology

No Result
View All Result
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now

© 2025 Easy Sociology

×