Functionalist theories of deviance
A) fear that deviance creates the breakdown of society.
B) view deviance as necessary in order to create social cohesion.
C) believe that punishment of deviance is dysfunctional because it prevents the deviance that is necessary for society.
D) assume that norms are largely meaningless.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functionalist theories view deviance as a necessary aspect of society in order to promote social cohesion. They argue that deviance helps to reinforce social norms and values by allowing individuals to understand what is deemed as acceptable and unacceptable behavior. This understanding of deviance as serving a purpose in society contradicts choice A, which fears the breakdown of society, and choice C, which views punishment of deviance as dysfunctional. Choice D is also incorrect as functionalist theories assume that norms have a purpose in promoting social order.

Functionalist Theories of Deviance