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What does the functionalist perspective assume about crime and its punishment?

Rationale

Crime is a natural outcome and its punishment promotes social unity.

The functionalist perspective views crime as an inevitable aspect of society that can actually serve a purpose in promoting social cohesion. Punishment of crime reinforces societal norms and values, thereby aiding in the maintenance of social order.

A (Punishment of crime is not necessary for society to function) YOUR ANSWER

This choice contradicts the functionalist view, which argues that punishment plays a crucial role in reinforcing societal norms. Rather than deeming punishment unnecessary, functionalists assert that it is essential for maintaining social order and cohesion.

B (Crime is a natural outcome and its punishment promotes social unity) CORRECT

This accurately reflects the functionalist perspective, which posits that crime is an inherent part of social life. The punishment of criminals serves to reaffirm societal values and norms, thus fostering a sense of unity among law-abiding citizens.

C (A society can function more smoothly if criminals are eliminated) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests a more extreme view that does not align with functionalism. Functionalists maintain that crime cannot be entirely eliminated, as it is a natural aspect of society. Instead, they focus on how society can integrate the existence of crime into its functioning.

D (A society must control the number of criminals with rigid rules that distinguish deviant from nondeviant behavior) YOUR ANSWER

While this choice touches on the concept of social control, it implies an overly rigid approach that does not capture the nuanced understanding of crime within functionalism. Functionalists emphasize the role of punishment in promoting social order rather than merely controlling the number of criminals.

Conclusion

The functionalist perspective on crime highlights its inevitability and the crucial role of punishment in reinforcing social norms and promoting unity. While crime is viewed as a natural occurrence, its management through punishment fosters societal cohesion, rather than suggesting that crime can or should be eradicated entirely.

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