3.2.6.3 Structural Theories

• Functionalists argue that some degree of crime and deviance is normal and inevitable in any society
• Structural Theories in sociology emphasize the role of social structures and institutions
• Structural Theories emphasize that social structures shape individual behavior
• The main structural theories in sociology include Functionalist, Marxist, and Feminist
• From a Functionalist perspective, crime and deviance are seen as serving both positive and negative functions for society
• Structural theories focus on individual agency rather than social structures

  False
• Structural theories are deterministic because they argue individuals have complete free will

  False
• Match the structural theory with its key concepts:

  Functionalist Theory ↔️ Social order, consensus, integration

  Marxist Theory ↔️ Social class, conflict, capitalism

  Feminist Theory ↔️ Gender, patriarchy, inequality
• Crime and deviance reinforce social norms and values by defining acceptable behavior


  True
• What is the key focus of Marxist theory?

  Class conflict and exploitation
• Which theory emphasizes social order, social consensus, and social integration?

  Functionalist Theory
• Match the positive and negative functions of crime according to functionalist theory:

  Reinforcing social norms and values ↔️ Strengthening social cohesion

  Disrupting social order ↔️ Threatening social cohesion

  Promoting social change ↔️ Challenging existing structures
• What type of crimes do Marxists argue the working class may commit due to relative deprivation?

  Crimes of necessity
• Marxist perspectives are criticized for being economically deterministic and neglecting other factors like gender and race.
• Feminist intersectionality highlights how gender interacts with social identities like race and class to produce unique experiences of crime.
• Structural theories argue that social structures shape individual behavior.
• Structural theories emphasize that social structures shape individual behavior


  True
• What are some examples of social structures mentioned in structural theories?

  Class, culture, norms
• Social action theories argue that individuals construct social reality


  True
• What is the key focus of Functionalist Theory?

  Social order and stability
• Functionalist theory views society as an interconnected system where structures maintain stability

  True
• Excessive crime and deviance can threaten social cohesion


  True
• Marxists believe the legal system disproportionately targets the working class


  True
• Marxist perspectives are criticized for being economically deterministic


  True
• White-collar crimes committed by the bourgeoisie are often punished equally under capitalism.

  False
• Feminist theory emphasizes the role of gender
• What is the main argument of structural theories in sociology?

  Social structures shape behavior
• What are examples of theoretical frameworks within structural theories?

  Functionalism and Marxism
• Match the focus of each theory:

  Structural Theories ↔️ Social structures and institutions

  Social Action Theories ↔️ Individual agency and interaction
• Match the theoretical example with the correct theory:

  Functionalism ↔️ Structural Theories

  Symbolic Interactionism ↔️ Social Action Theories
• Order the following theories from their primary focus on social stability to social change:

  1️⃣ Functionalist Theory

  2️⃣ Feminist Theory

  3️⃣ Marxist Theory
• Deviance can promote social change by challenging existing norms and structures


  True
• Feminist theory examines how social structures based on gender inequality and patriarchy shape social phenomena.
• Feminist theory uses concepts such as gender, patriarchy, sexism, and intersectionality to analyze social phenomena.
• What do functionalists consider the role of crime in society?

  Normal and inevitable
• Marxists believe the legal system disproportionately targets the working class.

  True
• What does feminist theory emphasize in the study of crime and deviance?

  Gender and patriarchy
• What is the feminist view of the criminal justice system?

  Patriarchal institution targeting women
• What is a key criticism of structural theories regarding determinism?

  Overly deterministic
• Structural theories are deterministic