There Are Usually Serious Consequences When a Politician Is Caught

question 109

Multiple Choice

There are usually serious consequences when a politician is caught cheating on his spouse. In some cases, the politician is forced to resign from office when his constituents express their unhappiness with such behavior. According to Émile Durkheim, what function does this reaction serve?

• A) It helps to deter politicians from cheating in the future.
• B) It helps to clarify moral boundaries and reinforce the idea that marital infidelity is wrong.
• C) The public outcry helps rehabilitate the offender so he won't cheat in the future.
• D) It helps protect the family members of the politician from scrutiny and media coverage.