approaches of criminology

Approaches to Criminology: 

Approaches to Criminology From functionalism to Radical School

Functionalism: 

Functionalism Lombrosian school – concerned with causation Based on the premise that criminals can somehow be differentiated from non-criminals Functionalist approach built on positivist approach – from 19th century onwards

Functionalism: 

Functionalism Studying society as an organic whole Functions that institutions play in maintaining order in society Moved away from the individualistic approach to the study of crime Mainly concerned with the study of order and harmony in society – so crime was important to study

Functionalism Contd…: 

Functionalism Contd… Durkhiem (1938) – Crime as a normal phenomenon, serves a necessary purpose – preparing society for changes that are necessary in future Indicative of need for reform in society Concept of Anomie (Study on suicides) Studied Crime rates from official figures to understand patterns

Functionalism Contd…: 

Functionalism Contd… Merton (1968) – developed the concept of anomie – a condition that develops when there is a mismatch between culturally prescribed goals (economic success) and institutionally available means (education) Individuals experience strain and adapt differently Crime is mode of adaptation when institutional means are not available to achieve the culturally prescribed means – society in disequilibrium

Functionalism Contd…: 

Functionalism Contd… Modes of adaptation – when there is a goals-means dysjunction Conformity – goals and means acceptance (no deviance) Innovation – accept goals but reject means (lower SES and white collar crime) Ritualism – rejection of goals but acceptance of means (lower middle class) Retreatism – rejection of goals and means Rebellion – rejection and creation of goals and means

Sub-Culture Theories : 

Sub-Culture Theories Cohen (1955) and Cloward and Ohlin (1960) Cohen - Conflict between middle class values and working class values Reaction formation to middle class values imposed in schools – boys who get into trouble

Sub-culture theories: 

Sub-culture theories Cloward and Ohlin - culturally accepted goal of achievement of economic success is internalized by most individuals in society, but the opportunities available to achieve this goal differs across neighbourhoods. This gives rise to specific subcultures depending on the opportunities available in specific neighbourhoods. Criminal, conflict/violent and retreatist/drug subcultures