Emile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, made significant contributions to the understanding of crime and punishment within society. His theories, rooted in the functionalist perspective, shed light on the complex relationship between crime, social order, and social change. This article explores Durkheim’s key ideas regarding crime and punishment, emphasizing the inevitable nature of crime, its positive functions, and its role in facilitating social change.

Crime as Inevitable

Durkheim argued that a limited amount of crime is not only inevitable but also necessary in society. He contended that crime is a normal aspect of social life and that its occurrence is universal across all societies. Interestingly, Durkheim observed that more advanced and industrialized societies tend to have higher crime rates compared to less developed ones [1].

Positive Functions of Crime

According to Durkheim, crime serves positive functions and contributes to the overall well-being of a society. He believed that crime plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and facilitating social integration. Durkheim identified three key positive functions of crime: social regulation, social integration, and social change [2].

Social Regulation

Social regulation refers to how crime reaffirms the boundaries of acceptable behavior within society. When a crime occurs and individuals are punished, it becomes evident to the rest of society that such actions are unacceptable. The courts and the media play a role in broadcasting these boundaries, effectively warning others not to breach the law [2].

Social Integration

Social integration is another function of crime highlighted by Durkheim. In cases of particularly heinous crimes, the community often comes together in outrage, fostering a sense of collective belonging. The shared condemnation of criminal acts strengthens social cohesion [2].

Social Change

Durkheim also emphasized the role of crime in facilitating social change. He argued that criminals, by testing the boundaries of permitted action, provide a constant challenge to established norms. When the law is out of sync with the values and sentiments of the majority, legal reforms become necessary. Criminals, therefore, contribute to social change by pushing for adjustments in the law, reflecting the evolving wishes of the population [2].

The Impact of Excessive or Inadequate Crime

However, Durkheim cautioned that too much crime is detrimental to society. When crime exceeds a certain threshold, it can lead to the breakdown of social order. Conversely, too little crime inhibits positive social change, as there is insufficient capacity to challenge existing norms and push for reform [2].

The Function of Punishment

In terms of punishment, Durkheim contended that its primary function is not to eradicate crime entirely. Instead, punishment serves to control crime and maintain the collective sentiments of society. Punishment acts as a healing mechanism for the wounds inflicted on the collective moral conscience. Durkheim argued that a healthy society requires a balanced approach to crime and punishment, recognizing their interdependence [2].

Conclusion

Emile Durkheim’s theories on crime and punishment continue to be influential in the field of sociology. While his views have been subject to criticism and further development by subsequent scholars, his emphasis on the inevitability of crime, its positive functions, and its role in social change provides valuable insights into the complexities of crime within society [3,4].

Sources:

[1] Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2329496515604641

[2] Retrieved from https://revisesociology.com/2016/04/03/functionalist-explanations-of-deviance/

[3] Retrieved from https://ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/crime-always-functional-taking-sides-clashing-views-controversial

FAQs

Emile Durkheim’s Views on Crime and Punishment

Introduction

Emile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, made significant contributions to the understanding of crime and punishment within society. His theories, rooted in the functionalist perspective, shed light on the complex relationship between crime, social order, and social change. This article explores Durkheim’s key ideas regarding crime and punishment, emphasizing the inevitable nature of crime, its positive functions, and its role in facilitating social change.

Crime as Inevitable

Durkheim argued that a limited amount of crime is not only inevitable but also necessary in society. He contended that crime is a normal aspect of social life and that its occurrence is universal across all societies. Interestingly, Durkheim observed that more advanced and industrialized societies tend to have higher crime rates compared to less developed ones.

Positive Functions of Crime

According to Durkheim, crime serves positive functions and contributes to the overall well-being of a society. He believed that crime plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and facilitating social integration. Durkheim identified three key positive functions of crime: social regulation, social integration, and social change.

What is social regulation in the context of crime?

Social regulation refers to how crime reaffirms the boundaries of acceptable behavior within society. When a crime occurs and individuals are punished, it becomes evident to the rest of society that such actions are unacceptable. The courts and the media play a role in broadcasting these boundaries, effectively warning others not to breach the law.

How does crime contribute to social integration?

Social integration is another function of crime highlighted by Durkheim. In cases of particularly heinous crimes, the community often comes together in outrage, fostering a sense of collective belonging. The shared condemnation of criminal acts strengthens social cohesion.

How does crime facilitate social change?

Durkheim emphasized the role of crime in facilitating social change. He argued that criminals, by testing the boundaries of permitted action, provide a constant challenge to established norms. When the law is out of sync with the values and sentiments of the majority, legal reforms become necessary. Criminals, therefore, contribute to social change by pushing for adjustments in the law, reflecting the evolving wishes of the population.

The Impact of Excessive or Inadequate Crime

Durkheim cautioned that too much crime is detrimental to society. When crime exceeds a certain threshold, it can lead to the breakdown of social order. Conversely, too little crime inhibits positive social change, as there is insufficient capacity to challenge existing norms and push for reform.

What are the consequences of excessive crime in society?

Excessive crime can lead to the breakdown of social order. It creates a sense of insecurity and fear among the population, eroding trust and undermining social cohesion. It can also strain the criminal justice system and hinder the functioning of other social institutions.

How does too little crime hinder positive social change?

Too little crime inhibits positive social change because there is insufficient capacity to challenge existing norms and push for reform. Without deviance or criminal acts, societal norms and values may become stagnant, impeding progress and adaptation to evolving circumstances.

The Function of Punishment

In terms of punishment, Durkheim contended that its primary function is not to eradicate crime entirely. Instead, punishment serves to control crime and maintain the collective sentiments of society. Punishment acts as a healing mechanism for the wounds inflicted on the collective moral conscience. Durkheim argued that a healthy society requires a balanced approach to crime and punishment, recognizing their interdependence.

What is the primary function of punishment according to Durkheim?

The primary function of punishment, according to Durkheim, is not to eradicate crime entirely but to control it and maintain the collective sentiments of society. Punishment acts as a mechanism to restore the moral order and reaffirm societal values.

How does punishment contribute to maintaining social order?

Punishment contributes to maintaining social order by acting as a deterrent and sending a message to the rest of society that certain behaviors are unacceptable. It reaffirms the boundaries of acceptable behavior and helps prevent individuals from engaging in deviant acts.

How does punishment heal the collective moral conscience?

Punishment serves as a healing mechanism for the collective moral conscience by addressing the harm caused by criminal acts. It provides a sense of justice and closure to the victims and the wider society, restoring faith in the social order and reinforcing shared moral values.

Conclusion

Emile Durkheim’s theories on crime and punishment continue to be influential in the field of sociology. Whilehis views have been subject to criticism and further development by subsequent scholars, his emphasis on the inevitability of crime, its positive functions, and its role in social change provides valuable insights into the complexities of crime within society.