A further action performed by the criminals is to provide a constant test of the boundaries of permitted action. For example, every time a person is prosecuted for a crime attention is drawn to the commission of that act. People can also express their feelings about this - in most cases they simply and unquestioning accept the illegality and evil nature of the act, but sometimes they may feel sympathy for the criminal. When the law is clearly out of step with the feelings and values of the majority, legal reform is necessary. Criminals therefore, perform a crucial service in helping the law to reflect the wishes of the population and legitimising social change.
Bonds are Strengthened Another element is the boundary testing function.
When feelings of mutual horror or fear, so the bonds between them are strengthened. Deviance Provides a Safety Valve Deviance can also be a safety valve, providing a relatively harmless expression of discontent. In this way social order is protected. For example, Cohen suggests that prostitution performs such a safety value function, without threatening the institution of the family It can provide a release from the stress and pressure of the family life without undermining family stability, since relationships with prostitutes and their clients usually involves strong emotional attachments. Malfunctioning Cohen also suggests that certain deviant acts are useful warning device to indicate that an aspect of society is malfunctioning.