SOC212H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Learning Curve, Longitudinal Study, Ritualism In The Church Of England
Document Summary
Structural theories: strain theory & cultural deviance: the roots of strain theory: durkheim"s functionalism. Grand theories larger paradigns from which middle range theories drawn. Uses biological analogy: basic tenets of functionalism. Society"s different parts contribute to ensure the wellbeing of society as a whole. In ideal condition, all the aspects are well-balanced. If change occurs to one part, other parts of the system have to adapt: e. g. From a functionalist perspective, if families have too many children, education system have to adapt. All parts have to work together to ensure the system is stable as a whole: deviance as functional. Crime can be distinguished from more minor acts of deviance by the intensity of social response. Crimes are universal, and they must be functional for society: must serve an important purpose. We can identify a number of functional reactions. If enough people stop sanctioning certain behaviour, it has an effect in the policy making.
