This lesson explores functionalist, strain and subcultural theories of crime and deviance, a core topic in AQA A Level Sociology – Crime and Deviance.

Students examine how crime can be explained through social structure and inequality, including key ideas such as anomie, strain and subcultures, alongside sociologists such as Émile Durkheim and Robert K. Merton.

Lesson Objectives:

• Define functionalist explanations of crime
• Explain strain theory and the concept of anomie
• Analyse subcultural responses to strain
• Evaluate strengths and limitations of these theories

What’s included:

• Clear, ready-to-teach PowerPoint with teaching notes
• Student-friendly activities and discussion tasks
• Printable worksheets
• Stretch and challenge activities
• Focus on key terminology and literacy
• Exam-style question with structured writing support

Designed for the AQA Sociology specification (Crime and Deviance), but easily adaptable for other exam boards.

References included to Rob Webb et al. A Level Sociology textbooks.

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