day 1: 3 PowerPoints on crime

Question 1

What is traditional Marxist view on crime ?

introduction

Answer 1

1. it is linked to structure of society and economy/ capitalism
2. societies infrastructure determines it superstructure which includes state and cjs
3. function is to serve r/c interest and maintain capitalism
4. law is disproportionately enforced against the w.c and that therefore ocs inaccurate.

• therefore the state, police and law enforcement agencies act on behalf of the ruling class to protect their privilege position.

Question 2

according to traditional Marxist, what causes crime?

Answer 2

• capitalism causes crime because it its criminogenic- causes crime by it very nature
• Chambliss argues capitalism causes greed, self interest and hostility which leads to crime at all levels of society.

Question 3

according to traditional Marxist, who breaks the law?

Answer 3

• everyone both w.c and r.c

working class break the law because :

1. poverty can lead them into utilitarian crimes as it can be the only way for them to survive. capitalism is based on consumerism and materialism. crime can be the only way in which people can obtain the products.
2. w.c are exploited which makes them alienated. this can lead to frustration which can result in aggression and non utilitarian crimes such as vandalism.

m.c break the law

1. capitalism encourages “dog-eat-dog” competition . as result the r.c commit white collar and cooperate crimes such as tax invasion and breaches of health and safety laws

Question 4

according to traditional marixist, what is 3 purposes of the law

Answer 4

• purpose of the law is TO SERVE THE INTEREST OF R.C
  IT DOES THIS THROUGH 3 WAYS:

1. ruling class can use their influence to direct the types of laws to be introduced as well as prevent certain laws from being introduced
2. according to Reiman, the law is enforced selectively by cjs as police target w.c crimes and ignores crimes of powerful. this makes crime appear to be w.c phenomenon thus turning w.c against each other and distracts them against the real cause of their suffering -capitalism
3. Gordon argues the law being selectively enforced helps maintain false class consciousness. for e.g r.c are occasionally prosecuted which enforces the ideology that law and cjs are fair.

Question 5

3 strengths + 3 weakness

Answer 5

strengths
It explains crime through wide structural factor

It explains both utilitarian and non-utilitarian crimes

It explains w.c as well as white collar crime

weakness
Marxist do not fully explain why many w.c do not commit crime

Not all capitalist societies have high crime rates e.g japan

Crimes rates were higher in former communist states so communism does not eradicate crime