Social Structure Theory and Crime

A State of Imbalance Fed by Society

Structural functionalists believe that society is made up of institutions and groups that shift, move and alter their mutual influence. The aftermath of cooperation, competition, accommodation and conflict is characterized by a unified social system. This social system acts as a control for behavior within the society and is viewed as “in balance.” 

Society, as it is defined within the physical boundaries of the United States is, by structural theory parameters, one of organic solidarity. That is, a society that requires an external force, the state, to create cohesiveness because a unified social system does not exist. Personal desires are highly encouraged in this country. The United States has distinct challenges when it comes to the idea of unrestrained ambition. America is considered by a portion of the world to be “the land of opportunity,” a place where anyone can achieve their goals and the opportunity to do so is inherent. The American Dream is to become wealthy, to “have it all.” The idea of moving from “rags to riches” colors our perspectives and permeates our media. Our own constitution promotes the rights of the individual, individual freedom of choice and the pursuit of happiness, as each individual defines it.