Durkheim- the functions of crime- in relation of children development

Emile Durkheim, in his famous "the rules of sociological method", raised an interesting point of crime. He thinks that crime, though undesirable, but a very normal social fact. No society can free from crime, even in a society of saints, " a perfect cloister of exemplary individuals. Crimes, properly so called, will there be unknown; but faults which appear venial to the laymen will create there the same scandal that the ordinary offense does in ordinary consciousness. If, then, this society has the power to judge and punish, it will define these acts as criminal and will treat them as such." Therefore,crime is not only normal, but inevitable. The degree of crime may be various from time to time, but the form of crime will exist in all society.

He further on states, crime is even useful. It can help us to construct and maintain cultural and social boundary, by affirming certain values and norms; it promotes the social unity and encourages social change. As our society develops, the collective human consciousness also develops, the definition of certain crimes may changes, this is part of social changing.

Durkheim says "For the same reason, the perfect and upright man judges his smallest failings with a severity that the majority reserve for acts more truly in the nature of an offense. "..."Indeed, it is no longer possible today to dispute the fact that law and morality vary from one social type to the next, nor that they change within the same type if conditions of life are modified." crime, as one of deviants, makes these transformations possible, the collective sentiments at the basis of morality must not be hostile to such changes.

The better a structure is articulate, the more it offers a healthy resistance to all modification. Therefore, the law to define and punish the acts of crime, helps to maintain fundamental basis of morality.

If I would apply above theoretical framework into child discipline, I am truly enlightened. I was quite discouraged when constant effort of discipline failed. That made me have some questions in method of discipline and attitude of myself. Often times, though the intention and method of discipline are right, it cannot achieve desired efforts without proper attitude.

Durkheim's crime theory leads me to see that for children, mischiefs is normal state of a social fact; it is inevitable and it is even useful. For me, the legislator of law and morality should provide better structured and balanced "home social environment" in order to promote and to maintain the "social/home" cultural boundary; to help the "member of society/my children" to develop the collective consciousness and to encourage "social changes/ children maturing". The next time, I will not be so discouraged, rather to be positively mindful in how I could better articulate the "social structure" at our home. I certainly need GOD's wisdom and gracious help.

See, that is why I said that sociological study is so fascinating.

However, I am reminded that besides all the reasons Durkheim has elaborated, the fundamental reason for crime existed is the nature of human being, the sinful nature. Therefore, in his allknowing wisdom, GOD has known that the falling of human race, the paths of social development and the end of human society. "Except be ye born again" and this hope is only in the Lord Jesus Christ.