The Functionalism of Gangs in New Zealand
Social Issues in New Zealand: Gangs from a Functionalist Perspective
Gangs have been perceived as a predominant and rising social issue in New Zealand since as early as the 1950s. Associations of crime and deviance have been the focus of media and law enforcement throughout this time but the issues associated with gangs do not prevail singularly within the construct of the groups. It is too easy to point the finger to those on the fringes of society and say that they are the cause for social instability. It is harder to look at those ‘issues’ that seem to impede society and say that they actually have a function that keeps society stable.
This essay will seek to underline the key influences of gang life in New Zealand and its effect on society from a functionalist perspective, employing Erik Durkheim’s theories, New Zealand sociologist expertise and other affiliated sources. The purpose is to explore the functions of gangs within the context of society as a whole to prove that they indeed have positive attributes that keep communities and society healthy. The three main areas this essay will be targeting are cultural breakdowns, economic instability and ‘unity and purpose’.
The rise of gangs in New Zealand began as early as the 1920s but there was no systematic study of them until the 1950s (Gilbert, J., 2013). The struggle for identity is one of the main causes for the increase in gang memberships during the New Zealand urbanisation that many Maori experienced in the 1960s. They suffered enormously from a break in traditional forms of their cultural structure as they migrated to the cities for work. The problem that arose from the exodus from rural to urban living was the breakdown of their cultural identity and traditional forms of power and hierarchy (Gilbert, J.). Cited by Turner (1973) in the European Journal for Social Psychology; ‘an insecure social identity for members of a low-status group would follow when they have some awareness that their
Gangs have been perceived as a predominant and rising social issue in New Zealand since as early as the 1950s. Associations of crime and deviance have been the focus of media and law enforcement throughout this time but the issues associated with gangs do not prevail singularly within the construct of the groups. It is too easy to point the finger to those on the fringes of society and say that they are the cause for social instability. It is harder to look at those ‘issues’ that seem to impede society and say that they actually have a function that keeps society stable.
This essay will seek to underline the key influences of gang life in New Zealand and its effect on society from a functionalist perspective, employing Erik Durkheim’s theories, New Zealand sociologist expertise and other affiliated sources. The purpose is to explore the functions of gangs within the context of society as a whole to prove that they indeed have positive attributes that keep communities and society healthy. The three main areas this essay will be targeting are cultural breakdowns, economic instability and ‘unity and purpose’.
The rise of gangs in New Zealand began as early as the 1920s but there was no systematic study of them until the 1950s (Gilbert, J., 2013). The struggle for identity is one of the main causes for the increase in gang memberships during the New Zealand urbanisation that many Maori experienced in the 1960s. They suffered enormously from a break in traditional forms of their cultural structure as they migrated to the cities for work. The problem that arose from the exodus from rural to urban living was the breakdown of their cultural identity and traditional forms of power and hierarchy (Gilbert, J.). Cited by Turner (1973) in the European Journal for Social Psychology; ‘an insecure social identity for members of a low-status group would follow when they have some awareness that their
References: Gilbert, J., (2013). Patched: a history of gangs in New Zealand. Auckland , New Zealand: Auckland University Press. This source is a recent book written by New Zealand sociologist Jared Gilbert written specifically about gangs within New Zealand. It is deemed to be the authoritive work on New Zealand gang history and knowledge. I used it because it is the result of an in depth study lasting for 30 years conducted by a sociologist. Vaughan, G., (1978). European journal for social psychology: social change and intergroup preferences within New Zealand, (p 297-314, Vol. 8, Issue 3). This journal article is specific to New Zealand and has sufficient information and observations about the period of urbanisation I was looking into. The journal is a long standing and highly regarded scholarly source. Cree, V., (1954) Sociology for Social Workers and Probation Officers (2nd edition). London ; New York : Routledge, 2010. This source is a common and well regarded textbook which covers a good overview of functionalism and Emile Durkheim’s theories. It also includes useful sources that comment and further Durkheim’s opinions on society. Giddens, A., (2013). Essentials of sociology (4th edition). New York : W. W. Norton & Company, c2013. This source was a useful and well referenced text book which had a fitting chapter for my subject titled ‘Deviance and Crime’. The information was based around New Zealand statistics and events and incorporated many sociological perspectives around the subject of inequality in society because of the capitalist system.