Functionalist Émile Durkheim Believed Some Deviance Within Society Was:

Émile Durkheim, a towering figure in the development of sociology, revolutionized our understanding of society, not as a mere collection of individuals, but as a complex, organic entity with its own rules, norms, and structures. Central to his theoretical framework was the concept of functionalism, a perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and order. Within this framework, Durkheim offered a provocative and nuanced perspective on deviance, arguing that it is not simply a blight on society, but an inevitable and even necessary component of its healthy functioning. This article delves into Durkheim's functionalist perspective on deviance, exploring his key arguments, the specific functions he attributed to it, and the implications of his work for contemporary sociological thought.

I. The Inevitability of Deviance: Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Prior to Durkheim, deviance was largely viewed through a moralistic lens, seen as the product of individual pathology, moral failing, or even demonic influence. Durkheim challenged this conventional wisdom by arguing that deviance is not an aberration, but a normal and integral part of every society. He posited that deviance is inevitable for several key reasons:

The Collective Conscience is Never Strong Enough: Durkheim argued that no society can achieve complete consensus on its norms and values. The collective conscience, the shared set of beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force in society, is never strong enough to completely suppress individual differences and variations in behavior. There will always be individuals who, for various reasons, deviate from the dominant norms.
Functional Complexity Creates Opportunities for Deviance: As societies become more complex and differentiated, with specialized roles and institutions, the opportunities for deviance increase. The weakening of traditional social bonds and the rise of anomie, a state of normlessness and social deregulation, create a fertile ground for deviant behavior.
Diversity of Experiences and Perspectives: Durkheim recognized that individuals within a society have diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity inevitably leads to variations in how people interpret and respond to social norms, leading some to deviate from them.
Defining deviance: Durkheim highlighted that deviance is not a quality inherent in an act itself, but rather a social construction. What is considered deviant varies across time, cultures, and social contexts. Since norms are subject to change and interpretation, deviance is a constantly shifting category.

Durkheim's insistence on the inevitability of deviance was a radical departure from prevailing views and laid the foundation for a more sociological understanding of the phenomenon.

II. The Functions of Deviance: A Paradoxical Perspective

Perhaps Durkheim's most provocative claim was that deviance, far from being purely destructive, actually serves several important functions for society. This seemingly paradoxical perspective challenged the notion that deviance is simply a problem to be eradicated and opened up new avenues for understanding its role in social life. The key functions of deviance, according to Durkheim, include:

Boundary Maintenance: Deviance clarifies and reinforces social norms by providing examples of what is considered unacceptable behavior. When individuals violate norms and are punished for it, it serves as a public reminder of the boundaries of acceptable conduct. The collective reaction to deviance, whether it be through formal sanctions like legal penalties or informal sanctions like social disapproval, strengthens the collective conscience and reaffirms the shared values of the community. In essence, deviance helps define what is "us" by contrasting it with what is "them."
Solidarity and Social Cohesion: While deviance can disrupt social order, it can also strengthen social bonds. When members of a society collectively condemn a deviant act, it reinforces their sense of shared identity and moral unity. The act of coming together to denounce deviance can create a sense of "us-ness" and solidarity, particularly in times of social change or uncertainty. This is especially evident in cases of heinous crimes, where the collective outrage and condemnation can bring a community together in a powerful display of shared values.
Social Change and Innovation: Durkheim argued that deviance can be a catalyst for social change. Acts of deviance can challenge existing norms and values, prompting society to reconsider its beliefs and practices. What is considered deviant today may become acceptable or even celebrated tomorrow. Many social movements, from the civil rights movement to the women's suffrage movement, began with acts of deviance that challenged the status quo. By pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior, deviants can pave the way for new ideas, social reforms, and ultimately, societal progress.
Reducing Tension: Deviance can act as a safety valve, allowing individuals to release pent-up frustrations and anxieties without disrupting the overall social order. For example, minor acts of vandalism or public disorder may serve as a way for marginalized groups to express their discontent without resorting to more serious forms of social unrest. Similarly, rituals like Carnival or Mardi Gras can provide a temporary release from social constraints, allowing individuals to engage in behaviors that would normally be considered deviant.
Warning Signals: High rates of certain types of deviance can signal underlying social problems. For example, a sudden increase in crime rates may indicate economic hardship, social inequality, or a breakdown in community institutions. By paying attention to patterns of deviance, societies can identify and address the root causes of social problems before they escalate.

It is important to note that Durkheim did not romanticize deviance or argue that all forms of deviance are beneficial. He recognized that excessive deviance can be disruptive and destabilizing. However, he maintained that a certain level of deviance is necessary for a healthy society to function and adapt.

III. Anomie: The Dark Side of Social Disruption

While Durkheim emphasized the functional aspects of deviance, he also recognized that excessive deviance can be detrimental to social order. He introduced the concept of anomie to describe a state of normlessness or social deregulation, where individuals feel disconnected from society and lack clear guidelines for behavior. Anomie arises when social norms are weakened or absent, often during periods of rapid social change or economic upheaval.

Durkheim argued that anomie can lead to increased rates of deviance, including crime, suicide, and social unrest. When individuals feel that they are no longer bound by social rules and obligations, they are more likely to engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves and others. Anomie represents the dark side of social disruption, where the breakdown of social bonds leads to a sense of alienation, despair, and ultimately, deviance.

IV. Critiques and Contemporary Relevance

Durkheim's functionalist perspective on deviance has been highly influential, but it has also been subject to criticism. Some of the main criticisms include:

Justifying Inequality: Critics argue that Durkheim's functionalism can be used to justify existing social inequalities. By suggesting that deviance serves a function, it can be seen as implying that certain forms of deviance are necessary for maintaining the status quo, even if they are harmful to marginalized groups.
Ignoring Power Dynamics: Durkheim's focus on social consensus and shared values has been criticized for neglecting the role of power and conflict in shaping definitions of deviance. Critics argue that what is considered deviant is often determined by those in positions of power, who use their influence to define and control the behavior of others.
Teleological Fallacy: Some critics accuse Durkheim of committing the teleological fallacy, which is the error of assuming that something exists in order to fulfill a specific purpose. They argue that Durkheim incorrectly assumes that deviance exists in order to serve the functions he identifies, rather than recognizing that these functions may be unintended consequences of deviant behavior.

Despite these criticisms, Durkheim's work remains highly relevant to contemporary sociological thought. His insights into the social construction of deviance, the functions of deviance, and the concept of anomie continue to inform research on crime, social control, and social change. Durkheim's perspective is particularly useful for understanding:

Moral Panics: Durkheim's concept of boundary maintenance helps explain how societies react to perceived threats to their values. Moral panics, widespread anxieties about a perceived threat to social order, often lead to increased social control and the stigmatization of certain groups.
Social Movements: Durkheim's emphasis on the role of deviance in social change helps us understand how social movements challenge existing norms and values. By engaging in acts of civil disobedience and protest, social movements can raise awareness of social problems and push for reforms.
Globalization and Anomie: In an increasingly globalized world, Durkheim's concept of anomie is particularly relevant. The rapid pace of social change and the weakening of traditional social bonds can lead to a sense of normlessness and uncertainty, which can contribute to increased rates of deviance and social unrest.

V. Beyond Durkheim: Expanding the Functionalist Perspective

While Durkheim's work laid the foundation for the functionalist perspective on deviance, subsequent sociologists have expanded and refined his ideas. Robert Merton, for example, developed the concept of strain theory, which argues that deviance arises when individuals are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means. Merton identified several modes of adaptation to strain, including conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

Other sociologists have focused on the role of social control in shaping deviance. Control theory, for example, argues that individuals are less likely to engage in deviance when they have strong social bonds to family, friends, and community. These bonds provide individuals with a stake in conformity and discourage them from engaging in behaviors that could jeopardize their relationships.

VI. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Émile Durkheim's functionalist perspective on deviance revolutionized the way sociologists understand crime, social control, and social change. By arguing that deviance is an inevitable and even necessary component of a healthy society, Durkheim challenged conventional wisdom and opened up new avenues for sociological inquiry. His concepts of the collective conscience, anomie, and the functions of deviance continue to inform research on a wide range of social issues. While Durkheim's work has been subject to criticism, its enduring influence is a testament to its intellectual power and its relevance to understanding the complexities of social life. By recognizing the paradoxical role of deviance in maintaining social order and promoting social change, Durkheim provided a valuable framework for analyzing the dynamics of human societies. His legacy continues to inspire sociologists to explore the intricate relationship between deviance and the ongoing evolution of social norms, values, and institutions. Durkheim's work compels us to move beyond simplistic notions of deviance as a purely negative phenomenon and to appreciate its complex and often contradictory role in shaping the social world.