Which of the following is a criticism of functionalism regarding crime?

Which of the following is a criticism of functionalism regarding crime?

• A. It accurately explains the causes of crime
• B. It provides insight into crime rates
• C. It fails to explain the existence of crime
• D. It supports state enforcement of laws

Answer: (C)

Functionalism, as a sociological perspective, views crime as a natural and necessary part of society that can contribute to social stability and cohesion. However, a significant criticism of functionalism is that it fails to adequately explain the existence of crime itself. This approach tends to focus more on how crime serves functions, such as reinforcing social norms or prompting social change, but does not thoroughly address why crime occurs in the first place or the underlying social conditions that lead to criminal behavior. Many argue that functionalism oversimplifies the complex nature of crime by treating it as a mere social phenomenon without exploring individual motivations, societal disparities, or the structural factors that contribute to criminality. As a result, while functionalists contribute to understanding crime's role in society, their inability to account for the reasons behind criminal acts renders their perspective incomplete.

Functionalism, as a sociological perspective, views crime as a natural and necessary part of society that can contribute to social stability and cohesion. However, a significant criticism of functionalism is that it fails to adequately explain the existence of crime itself. This approach tends to focus more on how crime serves functions, such as reinforcing social norms or prompting social change, but does not thoroughly address why crime occurs in the first place or the underlying social conditions that lead to criminal behavior.

Many argue that functionalism oversimplifies the complex nature of crime by treating it as a mere social phenomenon without exploring individual motivations, societal disparities, or the structural factors that contribute to criminality. As a result, while functionalists contribute to understanding crime's role in society, their inability to account for the reasons behind criminal acts renders their perspective incomplete.