The Function of Crime Could murder, robbery or identity theft be
beneficial for society? It seems counterintuitive to think that any
crime might be functional for society but that is what some scholars
suggest. For example, French sociologist, Emile Durkheim argues that all
societies need crime in order to establish moral boundaries (Jones,
1986). Durkheim contends that crime supports society’s social structure
by pitting those that do not violate the law against those that do
violate the law. Crime also allows for social change because it moves
society forward in its evolution. Conversely, the late U.S. Senator and
sociologist Daniel Patrick Moynihan (2001) argued that crime actually
hinders societal evolution and forces the public to tolerate harmful
behaviors. According to Moynihan, “We [the public] are getting used to a
lot of behavior that is not good for us” (p. 30). As a result, public
tolerance of crime may cause a redefinition of criminal activity. For
this Discussion, consider whether you think crime is functional for
society. With these thoughts in mind: Answer this question: explanation
of whether crime is functional for society or not, and explain why. Be
specific and use examples to support your explanation. Be sure to
support your answer and responses with specific references to the
Learning Resources.
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