Marxism and labelling theory Flashcards
What do marxists believe about crime ?
That the nature of capitalism causes crime therefore it is inevitable
What did David Gordon (1976) say ?
working class crime is a rational response to the inequalities that exist in capitalist society
What are the reasons for Gordon’s statement ?
Poverty may be the only way for the WC to survive
Crime may be the only way to obtain consumer goods
Alienation may lead to frustration leading to non-utilitarian crimes
What does Bonger (1916) say ?
Capitalism is based upon competition, selfishness and greed which influences peoples’ attitudes to life
What do marxists say about law making ?
They say the laws are created to benefit the ruling class to impose their values on everyone else
What effect does law making have on the working class ?
They are tricked into thinking laws are created for their benefit
What does W A Chambliss say ?
Laws to protect private property are the cornerstone of the capitalist economy
What example does Chambliss use to illustrate his point ?
Britain’s East African colonies
What does Reiman (2001) say ?
That the more likely a crime is to be committed by higher-class people, the less likely it is to be treated as a criminal offence
What are the ideological functions of Crime and law ?
Reproduction and legitimisation of inequality
Creation of laws that appear to benefit the Middle class
