Marxist Theories of Crime Flashcards
In short, what is Gordon’s main argument?
That capitalism is criminogenic
Explain how capitalism is criminogenic (Gordon).
The system is based on the exploitation of the w/c by the ruling class, leading to ever-increasing wealth of one and ever-increasing poverty of the other.
Why does Gordon believe the working-class commit crime?
To survive poverty
To gain consumer goods
To release anger and frustration caused by alienation (e.g. domestic violence)
Why does Gordon believe the middle and upper classes commit crime?
To obtain the consumer goods they’re encouraged and advertised to buy
To gain more profit (e.g. tax evasion)
What does Chambliss argue?
Laws are created to only suit the ruling class’ interests.
e.g. laws to protect private property
What does Graham find?
That politicians agreed not to greatly restrict amphetamine production and distribution because most of it was made and sold by large pharmaceutical companies rather than ‘criminals’.
What did Snider find?
The capitalist govt are reluctant to pass laws to regulate activities of businesses/ threaten profitability.
Give an example to highlight Snider’s point.
Companies polluting the planet whilst rarely facing fines.
What does Reiman argue?
‘Street crimes’ far more likely to be reported and pursured by police than white collar crimes.
The more likely a crime is to be committed by higher class people, the less likely it’s treated as a criminal offence.
The w/c and EM are criminalised and crimes of the rich and powerful ignored.
Describe and give examples of white collar crimes.
Fraud, tax evasion, bribery
Non-violent, to obtain/ avoid losing money/ property/ gain personal and business advantages.
Describe and give examples of blue collar crimes.
Armed robbery, sexual assault, murder
Characterised by physical contact and visibility and perpetrated for an immediate need/ desire.
How does Gordon argue that selective law enforcement benefits the ruling class?
Helps maintain ruling class power and reinforce ruling class ideology.
Encourages workers to blame the criminals in their midst for their problems rather than capitalism, maintaining false class consciousness.
How do laws perform an ideological function?
Laws are occasionally passed that appear to benefit the w/c to make workers believe capitalism cares for them.
e.g. health and safety laws, only a small proportion of breaches lead to prosecution.
What did Taylor et al ‘The New Criminology’ theorise?
(Neo-Marxists)
Recognise that w/c criminals made an active choice to break the law.
Established ideas to consider when considering any deviant act.
What ideas did Taylor et al believe we should consider about the origins of the deviant act (1-3)?
Wider origins (capitalism)
Immediate origins (social context of the individual)
The actual act itself
