Exam 6: Functionalism: The Normal and the Pathological

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Durkheim's concept of a society of saints refers to a hypothetical society in which every individual is perfectly moral and adheres strictly to societal norms and values. In this society, there would be no deviant behavior or crime, as everyone would act in accordance with the collective conscience.

However, Durkheim argues that even in a society of saints, crime would still occur. This is because he believes that crime is a normal and necessary part of all societies, serving important functions such as reaffirming societal norms, reinforcing social solidarity, and prompting social change.

In a society of saints, the definition of crime would likely shift to include even minor infractions or deviations from the established moral code. This means that behaviors that are not considered criminal in our current society would be labeled as such in a society of saints, leading to the continued existence of crime.

Additionally, Durkheim suggests that even in a society of saints, individuals may still experience feelings of anomie or alienation, leading them to engage in deviant behavior as a means of seeking connection or purpose. This further supports the idea that crime would still occur in such a society.

Overall, Durkheim's argument is that crime is an inherent part of all societies, and even in a society of saints, there would still be instances of deviant behavior due to the complex nature of human social interaction and the need for social order and change.