Marxist Theories of Crime and Deviance Flashcards
How can capitalism be described as criminogenic? (3)
1) By its very nature, it leads to crime due to the exploitation of the working class
2) Leads to an increasing gap between rich and poor so poor may have to turn to crime to afford the neccessities.
3) Frustration of exploitation can also lead to violence
What does Gordon say about crime and capitalism?
Crime is a rational reaction to the capitalist foci of Greed, Profit, Capitalism and Materialism. That is why it is found in both the w/c and m/c despite what official stats suggest
How does selective law enforcement benefit the ruling class? (2)
1) CJS applies the law differently to different social groups in different ways.
Where the w/c and E.Ms are criminalised, the powerful and rich can be let off (i.e bail)
2) The laws are socially constructed by the ruling class to benefit them.
Box: the rich engage in activity resulting in death, injury or fraud but the activities are protected under the law. I.e No Liability Clauses
How does the ideological functions of crime benefit the ruling class?
Gives a reason for the social control the ruling class exerts to prevent the revolution and uprise of the w/c.
Criminals often portrayed as disturbed by media rather than revealing what capitalism has contributed to making a criminal.
What does Reiman say about ruling class crime?
Ruling class more likely to commit crime but less likely to have the offence treated as a criminal one/ get caught.
What does Chambliss say about how the law is shaped for the ruling class?
The law is shaped to protect property and profits of the rich and powerful. A major constituent of law in the UK is property law, which protects those who own property.
Snider- govts. are reluctant to pass laws which regulate the activities of businesses or threaten profitability as it will affect donations
What does Pearce say about laws?
Laws are occasionally passed which on the surface level look like they benefit the w/c but actually benefit the ruling class through loop holes and lack of prosecution.
I.e the 2007 Homicide Law- only 1 prosecution in 8 years
What are the 5 evaluations of the traditional Marxist theories on crime and capitalism
1) Ignores other causes of crime.
I.e gender, ethnicity
2) Passive working class/ romanticises criminals
Suggests w/c cannot help but commit crime due to economic circumstances. Also suggests criminals not to blame but society.
3) Crime in communist states.
If crime was a feature of capitalism, communist states would be crime free. Not the case in Soviet Russia/ Cuba but also most if not all (except North Korea) nations are capitalistic (Harrari)
4) Ignores victims of the crime
Most victims are w/c. If Marxist was accurate r/c would be victims
5) Law makers in modern democracies are elected
However polling can be affected by donations/ voting fraud which goes undetected.
In what 3 ways does Neo-Marxism agree with traditional Marxism?
(Taylor et al)
1) Capitalism is based on exploitation and class conflict and understanding this is key to tackling crime
2) The state creates and enforces laws for the benefits of the r/c
3) Capitalism should be replaced with a classless society which would reduce crime.
What is critical criminology?
Taylor et al’s evaluation of his views towards crime
Outline a fully social theory of deviance
- Comprehensive understanding of crime and deviance would help to change society for the better.
Combines Marxist and interactionist elements- unequal distribution of wealth/ meaning of deviant act for the actor
6 elements:
1) Wider origins of the deviant act (unequal distribution of wealth and power in capitalist society)
2) Immediate origins of deviant act- particular context of act
3) Act itself- what was the meaning of the act i.e rebellion?
4) Immediate origins of social reaction-
Reaction around deviant
5) Wider origins around social reaction
6) The effects of labelling
What are the 3 evaluations of critical criminology?
1) Rock: Gives overly romantic view of criminals i.e Robin Hoods fighting an unjust system.
Left realism: most crime is done by w/c ON w/c. Likewise, not all crime is politically motivated i.e rape. Right realism argues that crime is opportunistic rather than a reaction to perceived injustice.
2) Hirst: Neo Marxism has strayed too far from trad. Marxism to be considered linked
3) Feminist criticism: Gender blind theory. Applies same explanations to both men and women even tho it’s clear both have different motivations to commit crimes.
Apply critical criminology to Hall’s Policing the crisis
1) Wider origins of act- 1970’s was time of social crisis
