Crime and Deviance: Marxism

Question 1

What do Marxists argue?

Answer 1

They believe that power is largely held by the upper-class and that laws reflect their ideology. The legal system (such as lawyers and courts) all work in favour of the upper-class. These institutions are all used to prevent revolution and keep everyone in a state of false consciousness.

Question 2

What are the 4 points of the Marxist perspective on crime?

Answer 2

1. Capitalism is Crimogenic.
2. Laws are made by the Capitalist elites and work in their favour.
3. All classes commit crimes, not just the working class, and the crimes of the upper-class are in fact more costly.
4. The state practices Selective Law Enforcement

Question 3

What does Crimogenic mean?

Answer 3

The Capitalist system encourages criminal behaviour.

Question 4

What is Selective Law Enforcement?

Answer 4

The Criminal Justice system mainly concerns itself with policing and punishing the marginalised, not the wealthy, and this performs ideological functions for the elite classes.

Question 5

What are the 3 reasons that Capitalism is Crimogenic?

Answer 5

1. Capitalism encourages people to pursue self-interest rather than public duty.
2. Capitalism encourages people to be materialistic consumers causing us to aspire to unrealistic and often unattainable lifestyles.
3. Capitalism generates massive inequality and poverty which are conditions correlated with higher crime rates.