Marxism and Neo-Marxism Flashcards
What is Marxism?
Marxists argue that crime is a natural result of the unequal structure of capitalist society. They believe that the capitalist system shapes behavior and that the criminal justice system benefits the elites while working against the lower classes. Marxist theories, based on Karl Marx’s ideas, view crime as a consequence of social inequality.
What is the Capitalist System?
Capitalist system = In a capitalist country, the focus is on profits over anything else.
The United States, the U.K., and Germany = modern capitalist countries
What are the two classes in a capitalist society according to Marxists?
The ruling capitalist class (bourgeoisie).
The working class (proletariat).
What is meant by Bourgeoisie?
Power is held by the Bourgeoisie.
The legal system and the police all serve the interests of the Bourgeoisie.
They have power over us (the proletariat’s) because they own the means of production (businesses, banks, property) Capitalists exploit the working class labour to make profit.
What is Capitalism in Crimogenic (causes crime)?
Marxists argue that capitalism drives the working class into poverty, making crime a survival mechanism. Capitalism encourages self-interest over public duty, creating a “dog eat dog” society, as described by David Gordon. The constant promotion of consumer goods through advertising leads to utilitarian crimes (theft) to obtain them. Inequality also causes frustration, which can result in non-utilitarian crimes, such as violence and vandalism.
Why do Marxists believe the law is made by the Capitalist elite?
Marxists argue that both law-making and law enforcement serve the interests of the capitalist class. Property rights are prioritized over the needs of the poor, with laws protecting the rich’s right to keep empty houses while laws against squatting punish the homeless. Capitalist states are reluctant to pass laws that regulate large corporations, as they don’t want to alienate big companies. The state avoids enforcing laws on issues like pollution or worker safety, as these could threaten the profits of the ruling class.
What does selective Law Enforcement mean?
White-collar and corporate crimes committed by the rich are less likely to be prosecuted than working-class street crimes. Only 1.5% of companies breaking safety laws are prosecuted, and corporate crime is often punished with fines rather than jail, despite causing more harm. For example, despite 2,156 deaths from employers’ negligence, only 25 UK firms were prosecuted for corporate manslaughter. Selective enforcement creates the illusion that crime is primarily a working-class issue, diverting attention from more serious crimes committed by the ruling class and causing divisions within the working class.
What is white collar and corporate crime?
A non-violent crime traditionally committed in commercial situations for financial gain.
White-collar crimes are usually committed by individuals who are in a position of power or authority..
What is Neo- Marxism?
Neo-Marxists recognise that working-class criminals made an active choice to break the law, they are not all forced to.
Crime is a political act against the Bourgeoisie (higher class). Crime is a conscious choice often with political motive (to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor).
Crime is a voluntary act which has a political motive.
What does Young & Taylor think Neo-Marxists to consider when considering a deviant act?
The structure of society and where power resides
The structural “macro” background to the deviant act
The immediate cause of the deviant act and the act itself
The impact of the act (both immediate and on a larger scale)
The societal reaction to the act (this links closely with Interactionist explanations of crime, deviance, social order and social control)
The impact of that reaction (both on the individual and on society)
If all these things are considered, then this can help in understanding why someone had committed a crime.
