Marxism

Question 1

Box1983 - crime

Answer 1

1) crime is a social construct - definitions are shaped by factors within society e.g. politics.
2) crime is defined by those in power
3) powerful states use crime as a tool for social control

Question 2

Explain theft as a social construct (box)

Answer 2

1) theft is framed as an act of individual moral failing however box suggests it is socially constructed influenced by class relations.
2) linked to economic inequalities - lower class resort to theft
3) working class punished harsher

Question 3

Bonger 1916

Answer 3

1) working class exploited.
2) more likely to engage in crime as a means of survival or resistance of exploitation.
3)oppressed so turn to crime to cope with their circumstances of poverty, lack of opportunities and alienation by capitalists.

Question 4

Gordon 1973

Answer 4

1) public fear and media influence ( increased policing and harsher sentences)
2) criminalisation of the poor ( targeted by CJS)
3) crime as a social construct ( focus on street crime to distract from corporate and state crime)

Question 5

Agnew 2006 - general strain theory
what are the types of strain

Answer 5

several types of strain which can lead to an individual committing crime:
1) failure to achieve positively valued goals
2) removal of positively valued stimuli ( loosing something valuable e.g. loved one)
3) presentation of negative stimuli (e.g. abuse)

Question 6

how can strain cause crime - general strain theory

Answer 6

1)crime is a response to strain and stress in life
2) negative emotions from strains creates a opportunity to cope through criminal behaviour especially if they lack legitimate support or coping mechanisms.

Question 7

what is the Marxist general argument regarding capitalism and crime (3 points)

Answer 7

1) capitalism generates crime
2) legal system in favour of ruling class
3) crime committed by elite often goes unpunished.