Marxist Theories Of Crime Flashcards
Which Marxist sociologist said that capitalism was criminogenic?
Gordon
What is meant by the idea that capitalism is criminogenic?
The nature of capitalism causes crime
3 ways in which capitalism is criminogenic
i. Poverty and low wages
ii. Advertising of false needs
iii. Alienation
False needs
Advertisements by the capitalists encourage the workers to view products as necessities, when they are not.
According to Marxists, the law reflects…
The interests of the ruling class
Which kinds of crime are committed as a result of capitalism?
• Poverty & low wages – utilitarian e.g. shoplifting
• Alienation – non-utilitarian e.g. vandalism
• Capitalist crimes – utilitarian e.g. fraud
Explain why capitalism also encourages the rich to commit crime.
The competitive nature of capitalism motivates the capitalists to make greater profit to be successful – this can encourage some to turn to crime.
Definition of alienation
The idea that workers feel isolated and disconnected from the things that they produce at work. This work is often low paid, repetitive and frustrating.
What was the poll tax law introduced in the East African colonies?
It was a tax that had to be paid in cash. This forced the local population to work on the tea and coffee plantations as this was the only but to ensure a good supply of labour on the plantations so that a profit could be made from the sale of the products.
Which sociologists gave the poll tax example?
Chambliss (1975)
Give one example of a law that the ruling class might try to block.
The banning of zero-hour contracts
The introduction of a maximum wage / limit to bonuses.
Explain how the law may maintain false class consciousness.
Occasionally, law are passed which benefit the working class e.g. health and safety at work laws / increase to the minimum wage. This fools the workers into thinking that the law is fair and just, thereby hiding the fact that it benefits the ruling class.
Which sociologists said that the law may maintain false class consciousness?
Snider
What do Marxists mean by the idea that the law is selectively enforced?
That the law is not applied equally to all – it unfairly targets some groups.
Which social class do Marxists believe are unfairly targeted by the police and criminal justice system?
The working class / proletariat
