The Influence of Durkheim on Modern Criminological...

The ‘father of academic sociology’ (Hopkins Burke, 2006), Emile Durkheim believed that crime was an important necessity in every society as it played important functional roles in the maintenance of social cohesion, the continuity of social progress and the establishment and reinforcement of societal norms. He stated that criminality was a normal phenomenon, its influence prevalent even on the most saintly of societies. Durkheim’s theories regarding the normality and inevitability of crime, along with his influential concepts of anomie, the division of labour and mechanical and organic solidarity, had a lasting effect on the field of criminological study, particularly in subsequent research conducted by fellow populist theorists of the†¦show more content†¦Crime serves and adaptive function by allowing change and development in not only the social system, but also the legal system. A particular crime, for example, may evoke high degrees of moral outrage f rom members of a community, which in turn may lead to the amendment of related legislations in an effort to further criminalise future events of a similar nature and appease the public. On the other hand, modernisation of a society, which is followed by the revision and reestablishment of social norms and goals, acts previously deemed immoral and criminal in traditionalist communities may be decriminalised and become entrenched as a perfectly acceptable lifestyle choice. Durkheim mentions Socrates as an example of crime fulfilling an adaptive function. Socrates’ philosophies were regarded as dangerous, whilst he was seen as a criminal and condemned to death by his own society, today he is recognised as one of the most brilliant and advanced minds of his generation. Crimes other vital function involves the reinforcement or particular norms and legislations. When a specific crime is committed, media portrayals of events and the general public and legislative reactions are enoug h to reaffirm social norms and boundaries of behaviour. Several sociological positivists agree with Durkheim’s view of crime is normal and is some, limited way helps maintain a healthy, cohesive society, there are quite a large number ofShow MoreRelatedDurkheim s Influence On Sociology1240 Words   |  5 PagesPlease describe the impact Marx, Durkheim, Weber had on sociology as prominent contributors of the discipline. Durkheim and Max Weber, Marx is seen as one of the three founders of the social sciences. Emile Durkheim, was a French sociologist. His theories and writings helped establish the foundations of modern sociology. Durkheim disagreed with most social theorists of the late 1800 s because they thought that individual psychology was the basis of sociology. Durkheim regarded sociology as the studyRead More Are Criminals Born or Made? 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(Emirbayer 1996) Durkheim’s ideas inspired others and led to criminologists such as Robert Merton, Alfred Cohen and Robert Agnew using these ideas of Durkheim and applyingRead MoreSocial Structures And Stressors Can Increase The Likelihood Of A Person3814 Words   |  16 Pagesfactors that normally lead a person to respond to the strains by engaging in criminal activities. The first modern theory of crime and deviance was developed by Emile Durkheim. Using the anomie theory that focuses on the lack of normal ethical or social standards, he explained how various social structures could lead a person to be engaged in criminal activities (Franklin, 2014). Durkheim?s theory showed how a society that lacks rules and a clear social system could lead to people developing a senseRead MoreWhat Are the Major Issues That Cause Inner City Youth to Join Gangs and Become Delinquent? 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