Class, power and crime Flashcards
Give comparisons between marxism and labelling theory
Marxists are similar to labelling theorists as they both argue that the law is enforced disproportionately against the working class and therefore official crime statistics cannot be taken at face-value. However, they differ as Marxists criticise labelling theory for failing to examine the wider structure of capitalism within which law making, law enforcement and offending take place.
What three main elements does marxists’ view of crime involve?
Criminogenic capitalism, the state and law making, ideological functions of crime and law.
How is capitalism criminogenic?
By its very nature it causes crime.
How does capitalism’s effect on the working class give rise to crime?
Poverty may mean that crime is the only way that the working class can survive, crime may be the only way that they can obtain consumer goods encouraged by capitalist advertising, alienation and lack of control over their lives may lead to frustration and aggression, resulting in non-utilitarian crimes such as violence and vandalism. Alienation and lack of control over their lives may lead to frustration and aggression, resulting in non-utilitarian crimes such as violence and vandalism.
What does Gordan say about crime within capitalist societies?
Crime is a rational response to the capitalist system and hence it is found in all social classes.
What does Chambliss say about the state and law making?
Laws to protect private property are the cornerstone of the capitalist economy.
How does Chambliss support his view about the state and law making?
The case of the introduction of english law into britain’s east African colonies
Britan’s economic interests lay in the colonies’ tea, coffee and other plantations, which needed a plentiful supply of local labour. The british introduced a tax payable in cash, non-payment of which is punishable criminal offence. The ruling class also have the power to prevent the introduction of laws that would threaten interests.
