Value Implications of the Functional Theory of Deviance

Abstract

Theories of deviance are often evaluated in terms of their presumably inherent ideological potential. The functional theory of deviance is a case in point. It has been evaluated as inherently conservative, particularly by the “critical criminologists.” We argue that such a characterization is superficial and misleading. We examine the theory and conclude that it is not inherently ideological and that indeed its value implications are more radical than is generally thought to be the case.