Crime And Deviance Flashcards
Marxist Perspective of Crime
Crime is linked closely back to the structure of society and closely linked to the economy.
^^^ They continue their angry rant at the ruling class and the power they hold within the society.
The ruling class’s control of the state gives it the power to:
1. Make and enforce the law to its own advantage
2. Protect its privileged position in the class structure
3. Criminalise any threat to it’s property
Marxist - White-Collar Crime
Middle class crime.
Examples:
- fraud
- corporate manslaughter
- bankrupting a nation
- tax evasion
- breaking health and safety
Marxist - Blue-collar crime
Working Class Crime.
Examples:
- benefit fraud
- shoplifting
- assault
Marxist - 3 main elements of crime
- Criminogenic capitalism
- The state and law breaking
- Ideological functions of crime and law
Marxist - Criminogenics Capitalism
Marxist argue that crime is inevitable in capitalism because capitalism is Criminogenic ( it causes crime )
- the superstructure socialise people to consume goods which entices people to want things which they can’t afford; people then commit crime
- Capitalism causes poverty - the desperation of being poor may turn you to crime
- Alienation and lack of control over their lives may lead to frustration and aggression, resulting in crimes such as violence and vandalism
Marxist - Criminogenic Capitalism - David Gordon (1976)
Crime is a rational response to the capitalist system hence it is found in all social classes (even though the official statistics make it appear to be largely WC phenomenon).
Capitalism creates greed, competition, materialism, consumerism etc.
^^^ all drive crime
Marxist - The State and Law Making
Marxists see law-making and law enforcement as only serving the interests of the capitalist class.
> the ruling class also has power to prevent the introduction of laws that would threaten their interests (e.g. there are few laws that seriously challenge the unequal distribution of wealth)
Marxist - The State and Law-Making : Snider (1993)
The capitalist state is reluctant to pass laws that regulate the activities of business or threaten their profitability.
Marxist -
