Final answer:
From the functionalists perspective, crime is seen as necessary for social cohesion and affirming cultural values and norms, confirming the idea that crime is necessary to hold society together. Émile Durkheim considered crime and its punishment as 'social facts' that are inherent and necessary in maintaining social order.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the functionalists perspective, crime does indeed play a role in holding society together, which suggests that from this perspective the statement would be considered true. Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, argued that crime and punishment are necessary for society because they serve to affirm established cultural values and norms, which in turn reinforces social cohesion. He described the crimes and the resulting legal sanctions as social facts, indicating that these are necessary components of a society to maintain its moral consciousness and collective order.Furthermore, functionalism emphasizes that all elements of society contribute to the overall stability and solidarity. This includes the socially deviant members, as their actions and the subsequent punishments highlight the boundaries of acceptable behavior and thus confirm the collective values of the society. Durkheim's view shows a society transitioning from mechanical to organic solidarity as it grows more complex, implying that functions like crime and punishment evolve as society evolves. In summary, from the functionalist perspective, crime is seen as necessary to uphold the social structure by reinforcing norms and enabling social change when certain aspects become dysfunctional.