Sociological Theories and Explanations of Deviance and Criminal Behaviour

Functionalism and Deviance

Functionalists view society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain social stability.
From this perspective, deviance is seen an inevitable and necessary part of society.
The presence of deviance helps reinforce societal values and norms, as punishments for deviance demonstrate what behaviours society disapproves of.
Emile Durkheim, a key functionalist thinker, argued that crime can lead to social change, as the response to deviance can trigger reconsideration of laws and norms.

Conflict Theories and Deviance

Conflict theories, such as Marxism, focus on the power struggles and inequalities in society. They see crime and deviance as a result of these conflicts.
Marxists argue that laws are often designed to protect the interests of those in power, leading to criminalisation of behaviours of disadvantaged groups.
Similarly, critical criminology suggests that the criminal justice system serves the interests of the ruling class and contributes to perpetuating inequalities.

Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance

Symbolic interactionism emphasises the role of social interaction in shaping behaviours. It views criminal and deviant behaviour as learned through these interactions.
The labelling theory, within the Symbolic Interactionism, posits that deviance is a result of being labelled ‘deviant’ by society, leading individuals to conform to this label.
Howard Becker proposed the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ concept where individuals behave according to the labels attached to them, leading to more deviant behaviour.

Subcultural Theories of Deviance

Subcultural theories suggest that deviance is the result of individuals conforming to the values and norms of a social group or ‘subculture’ that they belong to, which may be in conflict with those of wider society.
These theories highlight the role of peer groups and gang membership in influencing deviant behaviours.
Both Albert K. Cohen’s Lower-class reaction theory and the Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity theory make essential contributions to Subcultural Theories.

Control Theory

Control theory proposes that social control mechanisms prevent individuals from engaging in deviant or criminal behaviours.
Key factors include attachment to positive influences (like family or friends), commitment to societal norms, involvement in conventional activities, and belief in laws and norms.
It suggests that weak or broken social bonds lead to a higher likelihood of deviant behaviour.
This theory was put forward by Travis Hirschi, and is a crucial piece in the sociological understanding of crime and deviance.

Feminist Theories and Crime

Feminist theories have shed light on the gendered aspect of crime and deviance, arguing that the subject has been male-dominated in its perspective and research.
They point out that crime rates are significantly higher amongst men, implying crime might be linked to masculinity.
Feminists also critique the criminal justice system for often blaming female victims, such as in cases of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Intersectional feminism has further contributed to this field by examining how different axes of identity - such as race, class, and sexuality - interplay with gender in relation to crime and victimisation.