Marxism Flashcards
What is criminogenic capitalism?
When capitalism causes crime
What is the ideological function of crime and law?
The law helps to legitimate an unequal society
How does criminogenic capitalism link to poverty?
W/c people have to turn to crime in order to survive e.g. utilitarian crime such as theft
Why do people commit non-utilitarian crime?
Because of alienation and a lack of control over their lives. This leads to frustration and aggression leading to non-utilitarian crime.
What does Gordon(1976) argue?
The ideological nature of law enforcement means working class crime is overrepresented in crime stats.
What does Pearce(1947) argue?
There are laws in place that protects workers rights e.g. health and safety laws.
What is one strength of the criminogenic capitalist theory?
Many have cited that the structural inequalities created by the capitalist system is the reason for crime e.g. Merton
What is one limitation of the criminogenic capitalist theory?
Fails to explain why w/c criminals don’t target higher social classes for criminal activity
What is another limitation of the criminogenic capitalist theory?
Doesn’t explain why most w/c people don’t commit crime
One limitation of Gordon(1976)’s theory?
Evidence for prosecutions of corporate crimes e.g. corporate manslaughter at Koseogh Metalworks Ltd - so capitalism is fair
Two strengths of the selective law enforcement theory?
Reiman and Leighton - US justice system is lenient with m/c offenders
Evidence for increased policing of w/c and minority ethnic areas
