Functionalists and conflict theorists see society in different ways because they observe the world from different standpoints. Functionalism is the oldest, and still the dominant, theoretical perspective in sociology and many other social sciences. This perspective is built upon twin emphases: application of the scientific method to the objective social world and use of an analogy between the individual organism and society. Conflict theory focuses on issues such as who makes as who makes rules and laws, who decides who is deviant, and which groups benefit or suffer from these decisions. Deviants are considered those who commit crimes by those who do not commit crimes. .
Deviance is necessary for society to survive according to the functionalist's point of view. Crime was deemed normal and necessary for laws to be developed and for criminal acts to be defined. Crime also served as a function for societies by reminding the communities about the interests and values they shared which strengthened social and community bonds. Emile Durkheim created social solidarity and divided social groups into mechanical solidarity or organic solidarity. Deviance was easily identified within mechanical solidarity societies because people were so uniform and simple. An example of this group would be nuns and priests. They have accepted roles and follow strict guideline as a way of life. The police would be an example of organic solidarity because they relied on deviants, in odder for them to be created. Durkheim argued that crime should be seen as something functional and necessary for society rather than something pathological, and a symptom of a diseased society. Durkheim argued that crime is functional. By punishing criminals, society reaffirms it own values. If crimes were not committed, then the values of society would become blurred. If there is no punishment, then there would be no way of re-establishing the values that the crime offends.
