marxist theories of crime

Question 1

Merton strain theory

Answer 1

individuals can’t achieve through socially accepted means - turn to c/d
5 reactions to strain

Question 2

5 reactions
1- conformity

Answer 2

continue to try and achieve their
goals through legitimate means, through
conforming to society’s norms and values,
e.g. working hard to get a promotion at work

Question 3

5 reactions
2- ritualism

Answer 3

give up on their goals, but still
continue to go through the motions of life,
in a ritual like fashion, e.g. just turning up to
work everyday

Question 4

5 reactions
3- innovation

Answer 4

realise they will not achieve their goals
through legitimate means, so innovate their
means (often criminally) to achieve them. E.g.
robbing a bank, rather than working in one

Question 5

5 reactions
4- retreatism

Answer 5

People give up on their goals, reject any
means to reach them and so retreat from
mainstream society. E.g. dropping out of
work and becoming a drug addict

Question 6

5 reactions
5- rebellion

Answer 6

reject society’s goals and the means
of achieving them, so rebel against society.
E.g. dropping out o f work to engage in
terrorist activity

Question 7

criticism of merton A03

Answer 7

some crimes aren’t commited for
money
fails to see that powerful groups make the laws

Question 8

marxist beliefs about crime

Answer 8

capitalism creates crime
injustice of class system makes people turn to crime

Question 9

marxist reasons for crime

Answer 9

basis of laws
creation of laws
law enforcement
individual morovation

Question 10

marxists argue…

Answer 10

in a capitalist society there will always be a divide between those with the wealth and those without it. For those without it, the
only way to access this widely advertised wealth is to take a criminal shortcut.

Question 11

AO3 of marxism views

Answer 11

ignore gender and ethnicity
assume all poor people turn to crime because they feel deprived