Marxism and Crime

Question 1

What is the Marxist view on crime and law?

Answer 1

• The law is enforced disproportionately against the w/c
• Crime statistics cannot be taken at face value
• It’s inevitable in capitalist society

Question 2

How is capitalism criminogenic ( 3 reasons)?

Answer 2

• Poverty may mean crime is the only way the w/c can survive.
• Crimes (e.g. theft- utilitarian) are the only ways for the w/c to obtain consumer goods advertised by capitalists.
• Alienation/ lack of control may lead to non-utilitarian crimes

Question 3

The state and law making (point)

Answer 3

The ruling class have the power to prevent the introduction of laws that ruin their interests.

Question 4

The state and law making (evidence)

Answer 4

Snider- The capitalist state is reluctant to pass laws that threaten businesses profitability.

Question 5

Ideological functions of crime and law

Answer 5

• Laws that are passed seem to be beneficial for the w/c but are not entirely
• The media portrays criminals as ‘disturbed individuals’- ignoring the fact that it is the nature of capitalism that makes people criminals.

Question 6

Ideological functions of crime and law (evidence)

Answer 6

New law against corporate homicide was passed in 2007- but there was only one successful prosecution in it’s 8 years