This paper will attempt to evaluate Kai Erikson’s functionalist criminological perspective in his work 'Wayward Puritans', and will determine to what extent deviance in society is an important condition in preserving the stability of social life.
Table of Contents
1. Kai Erikson’s criminological perspective towards functionalism in Wayward Puritans: deviance in society as an important condition in preserving the stability of social life
Research Objectives & Themes
This paper examines Kai Erikson’s functionalist interpretation of the 1692 Salem witchcraft hysteria, evaluating his application of Durkheimian concepts regarding deviance as a mechanism for maintaining social stability. The work contrasts the Salem events with other historical instances of boundary management to assess the broader validity and limitations of functionalist theory in explaining social order and communal response to crisis.
- Theoretical foundations of functionalism and social deviance.
- Erikson’s analysis of the Salem witchcraft hysteria as a functional mechanism.
- The concept of "boundary crises" and collective mobilization in religious societies.
- Comparative analysis of deviant management in the Salem colony and the Macon KKK floggings.
- Critical evaluation of functionalism's applicability and its limitations in modern contexts.
Excerpt from the Book
Kai Erikson’s criminological perspective towards functionalism in Wayward Puritans: deviance in society as an important condition in preserving the stability of social life
According to Bensman and Gerver (1963), functionalism “attempts to describe on-going systems as operating units (p.588)”. It follows the assumption that social systems are composed of complex networks and interrelations involving social actions of a variety of individuals. Here, dysfunction will be defined as “actions and interrelationships that operate against the maintenance of the on-going social system (Bensman & Gerver, 1963 p.589)”. Deviant elements may develop in a society where social goals are unobtainable, the norms become disregarded or unaccepted, the community’s solidarity decreases or animosity increases, and a state of anomie is created. Social norms consist of “rules, which determine the nature of socially permissible actions and transactions [created by] the participants themselves (Bensman & Gerver, 1963 p. 589)”. Therefore deviance is not a separate entity from social norms, but a categorized, organized set of actions against the custom.
Gibbs (1977:408) demonstrates two key assumptions in functionalism; extensive agreement in social life, and conforming to norms is functional. Conformity upholds social relations and is rewarded through social inclusion and harmony; therefore deviance is not pursued because of the fear of losing social security (Gibbs, 1977 p.410). When a deviant act or behaviour occurs, it alerts the members of the community to their common interests, and draws attention to their values (Erikson, 1966:4 cited in Jensen, 2010 p.17) based on their reaction to the crime.
Summary of Chapters
1. Kai Erikson’s criminological perspective towards functionalism in Wayward Puritans: deviance in society as an important condition in preserving the stability of social life: This section provides an overview of the functionalist perspective on deviance, the specific case study of the Salem witchcraft trials, and a critical analysis of the theory's limitations through historical comparison.
Keywords
Functionalism, Deviance, Salem Witchcraft Hysteria, Kai Erikson, Social Norms, Anomie, Boundary Crisis, Social Solidarity, Collective Identity, Crime, Social Control, Scapegoating, Cultural Context, Conformity, Durkheim
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic paper?
The paper primarily examines the functionalist sociological perspective, specifically applying Kai Erikson’s theories from "Wayward Puritans" to understand how deviance serves to reinforce social stability and boundaries during periods of crisis.
What are the primary themes discussed in the text?
Central themes include the nature of social norms, the emergence of anomie during social turmoil, the role of communal rituals in identifying "outsiders," and the use of scapegoating to restore collective identity.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to assess whether Erikson’s functionalist view—that deviance is a normal and necessary component of society—can accurately explain historical events like the Salem witchcraft trials and similar cases of social purification.
Which scientific methods or theoretical frameworks are employed?
The author utilizes a qualitative, historical-comparative method, relying on existing sociological theories of functionalism (Durkheim, Merton, Gibbs) and contrasting the Salem case with the 1920s Macon KKK floggings to evaluate the theory's robustness.
What aspects of the subject are covered in the main body?
The main body details the social conditions of Salem in 1692, the role of medical and religious authorities in fueling the hysteria, the concept of the "boundary crisis," and a critical critique of why functionalism may be too simplistic to explain modern or diverse social atrocities.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include functionalism, deviance, boundary crisis, social solidarity, anomie, and historical sociological analysis.
How does the author define a "boundary crisis"?
The text adopts Bergessen’s (1978) definition: a threat to a community’s collective identity which triggers collective mobilization to redraw moral boundaries and eliminate internal enemies to restore order.
What contrast is drawn between the Salem witch trials and the Macon KKK events?
While both instances involved religious communities using violence to restore moral order, the author notes that Salem was driven by external fears and religious superstition, whereas the Macon events featured a visible, organized criminal element (the KKK) that the community eventually confronted.
Does the author conclude that functionalism is a flawless theory?
No, the author concludes that functionalism is context-specific and potentially culture-bound, arguing that it fails to account for racial, gender, and political complexities in modern urban societies.
- Quote paper
- Saskia Andresen (Author), 2012, Kai Erikson's View of Crime in Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233283
