According to functionalist theory, why is crime considered inevitable?

Functionalist theory, particularly as outlined by sociologist Emile Durkheim, posits that crime is an inevitable part of society due to the way individuals are socialized. According to this perspective, not everyone internalizes societal norms and values in the same way, leading to variations in behavior and the potential for deviance. Differences in socialization can arise from a variety of factors, such as family background, education, and cultural influences.

Because of this diversity in socialization, individuals may develop different interpretations of acceptable behavior, resulting in actions that are deemed criminal by societal standards. Functionalists argue that this variation is not only normal but also plays a crucial role in the social fabric. It serves to reinforce societal norms, stimulate social change, and can even lead to a re-evaluation of laws and social expectations when significant deviant behaviors emerge. Thus, the inevitability of crime is rooted in the sociological understanding of how individuals relate to and interpret their social environments differently, creating a diverse range of behaviors within a society.