Final answer:
Durkheim argued that crime has two essential functions: affirming societal norms through punishment and facilitating change by challenging existing values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, argued that crime serves two essential functions within society. First, by responding to crime, society is able to reaffirm its collective conscience and strengthen its commitment to the norms and values that are being violated by the criminal activity. The act of punishing deviants reminds the members of the society about what is considered acceptable behavior and reinforces social order.
Second, Durkheim suggested that deviance or criminal behavior can be functional in that it can bring about necessary change within society. Deviant behavior often challenges established norms and can lead to adjustments in laws and norms that reflect the evolving collective sentiment or the requirements for social cohesion. For instance, protests against unjust laws have historically led to changes in policy and greater social justice.