Marxist Theories on Crime

Question 1

general marxist view

Answer 1

capitalism is criminogenic

inbuilt feature of capitalism

working class crime more visible than middle/upper class

Question 2

Capitalism is Criminogenic

Answer 2

the structure of capitalism encourages crime,

produces inequality - crimes of necessity
encourages materialism - leads to utilitarian crimes (many can’t afford affluent lifestyle)
capitalism encourages self-interest rather than public community - communism would reduce it

Question 3

Sayers - Laws enforced by middle/upper classes

Answer 3

Laws made by the ruling class for the ruling class

Snider > often reluctant to enforce laws regulating capitalist companies

Working class more often targeted

unequal access to the law

Question 4

Ideological Function of Crime

Answer 4

divert attention away from exploitive nature of capitalism and focus on “evil working class groups”

create division amongst working class - avoid strong union against capitalism/revolution

Question 5

Pearce - Caring face of capitalism

Question 6

Pearce - Caring face of capitalism