Lecture 6 Emile Durkheim PDF

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Introduction to Criminological Theory Lecture 6: Modernity and Crime - Durkheim’s Sociology of Deviance Emile Durkheim (1858 - 1917) developed the first sociological understanding of deviance

Durkheim's theory and method There are 2 elements to Durkheim's approach 1. Structuralism (‘social facts as things’) - by this Durkheim means collective entities (not individual phenomena) and properties of cultural or social organisation (not people) Durkheim defines sociology as a scientific study of social facts - social facts (not individual facts) explain other social facts. 2. Functionalism - the persistence of social facts explained by functionality to society. This perspective is based on organicism and value-consensus (‘conscience collective’)

Durkheim’s sociology of deviance Durkheim says crime is an ‘integral part of all healthy societies’ because deviance constructed by value standards (e.g. ‘society of saints) Durkheim distinguishes between mechanical and organic solidarity Organic solidarity (modern society) ---> higher ‘natural’ crime rate Mechanical solidarity (traditional society) ---> lower ‘natural’ crime rate This is because levels of social solidarity regulate crime

Durkheim’s function of deviance are Durkheim’s functions of deviance are: • • •

Clarification of moral sentiments (normative) Engine of social evolution & moral advance (progressive) – e.g. suffragettes Social integration (normative) – e.g. 9/11

But Durkheim suggests crime can become pathological Pathological deviance is where crime above or below norm as result of anomie: An anomie is a deviance that threatens social solidarity e.g - living against the norms. A state of instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values, or a lack of purpose or ideals

How did Durkheim think problem of excess crime could be solved? Moral regulation (professional associataions/code of ethics, elected representative bodies overseeing industrial relations) Equality of opportunity (over come the ‘anomie of injustice’)...