Class, Power and Crime

Question 1

what Marxists mean by ‘criminogenic capitalism

Answer 1

Gordon, crime is a rational reaction to capitalism, exploits the WC, increased gap between rich & poor

Question 2

what Marxists believe about the state’s role in law making

Answer 2

Chambliss, law constructed to protect the rich’s profit and property. rich are a part of a crime syndicate

Question 3

Selective law enforcement

Answer 3

Applies to social groups in different ways, Reimann, ruling class more likely to commit crime, less likely to be treated as criminal

Question 4

ideological functions of crime and the law

Answer 4

Pearce, laws look like they benefit the WC, but benefit ruling class through lack of prosecution

Question 5

Neo-Marxist view of critical criminology

Answer 5

• recognised WC actively broke the law due to the capitalistic system causing frustration through marginalisation

Question 6

Taylor et als fully social theory of deviance

Answer 6

When understanding a deviant act, must consider:
- structure of society
- impact
- social reaction
- background to deviant
- immediate cause

Question 7

Marxists’ views on white collar and corporate
crime

Answer 7

• crimes of the elite have a greater impact on society.
• Snider, significantly outweighs the cost of street crime

Question 8

Marxist explanations for crime

Answer 8

Crime is caused by pressure to achieve wealth regardless on if they are WC or UC

Question 9

Evaluate Marxist explanation for crime

Answer 9

• ignores other causes (gender, ethnicity)
• romanticises criminals (cant help their crime)
• ignores the victims
• communist states aren’t crime free