Component 3 Section B: functionalist explanations of crime (Durkheim's anomie and the functions of crime, Merton's strain theory) and subcultural explanations (Cohen's status frustration, Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity).

What this dot point is asking

OCR Component 3 Section B examines the functionalist and subcultural explanations of crime, the first major theory cluster. You need Durkheim (anomie, the functions of crime), Merton (strain theory) and the subcultural theorists (Cohen, Cloward and Ohlin), and the ability to evaluate them against later perspectives. They share the idea that crime is rooted in society's structure.

The answer

Durkheim: anomie and the functions of crime

Durkheim identifies positive functions of crime: boundary maintenance (punishing offenders reaffirms the shared values of the law-abiding) and adaptation and change (today's deviance can become tomorrow's accepted morality). Too much crime, however, signals anomie.

Merton: strain theory

Merton's strain theory argues that society sets culturally approved goals (in the USA, material success) but distributes the legitimate means to achieve them unequally. The resulting strain produces five adaptations: conformity, innovation (using illegitimate means, that is, crime), ritualism, retreatism (dropping out) and rebellion. Strain theory explains utilitarian working-class crime (crime for material gain) but is weaker on non-utilitarian and group crime.

Subcultural theories

Subcultural theorists explain the group nature of much crime:

• Cohen argues working-class boys who fail at school suffer status frustration, and respond by forming delinquent subcultures that invert mainstream values, gaining status through non-utilitarian acts (vandalism, fighting).
• Cloward and Ohlin argue that illegitimate opportunities vary by neighbourhood, producing three subcultures: criminal (organised, an apprenticeship in crime), conflict (gang violence) and retreatist (drug use by "double failures").

Examples in context

A top essay sets the strengths (explaining structural and group crime) against the Marxist, interactionist and feminist criticisms, applies examples, and judges.

Try this

Q1. Outline two functions of crime identified by Durkheim. [4 marks]

• What the marker wants. Two functions (AO1, two marks each): boundary maintenance (reaffirming shared values), and adaptation and change (deviance signalling new morality), each briefly developed.

Q2. Outline and explain two of Merton's responses to strain. [10 marks]

• Cue. Two developed points from Merton's typology, for example innovation (turning to crime to reach goals) and retreatism (dropping out), each applied to an example.