Marxist theories of crime and deviance Flashcards
why is capitalism crimogenic?
by its nature it leads to crime as it causes exploitation of working class
what does capitalism lead to between the rich and poor?
an ever increasing gap
why is it not surprising that the might poor turn to crime?
because they need to afford necessities
what can frustration of exploitation lead to?
violence
what does selective law enforcement mean?
the criminal justice system applies the law to different social groups in different ways.
the working class and ethnic minorities are criminalised whereas the rich get let off or ignored
what does selective law making mean?
the laws themselves are socially constructed to benefit the rich and powerful
what does Box argue?
the rich often engage in activities resulting in death, injury, fraud and theft but the activities are protected under the law - health and safety laws
what are the ideological functions of crime?
to give a reason for the social control by the ruling class in order to prevent revolution from occurring
what are criminals often portrayed as by the media?
disturbed rather than reveal the role that capitalism has in making people criminals
what did Gordon say?
crime is a rational reaction to capitalists focus: greed, profit, competition and materialism which is why its found in all social classes despite what statistics suggest
what did Reiman say?
the ruling class are more likely to commit crime but less likely to have the offence treated as a criminal one
what is an example of what Reiman suggested?
social security fraud is committed by the poor and almost always leads to prosecution but tax evasion doesn’t
what did Chambliss say?
the law is shaped to protect property and profits of the rich and powerful. He also suggests that the rich and powerful are part of a crime syndicate
what did snider say?
governments are reluctant to pass laws which will regulate the activities of businesses or threaten profitability as this will effect donations
what did pearce suggest?
laws are occasionally passed which on the surface look like they are to benefit the working class but in reality are still benefitting the ruling class through loop holes and lack of prosecution
2007 corporate homicide law - in the first 8 years only 1 successful prosecution
