Neo-Marxism and Radical Criminology

Question 1

William Chambliss (1973)
The Saints and The Roughnecks

Answer 1

he identifies the differences in public perception of boys’ deviant behaviour and how social class impact labelling and self concept.

The Saints = White, M.C boys
The Roughnecks = W.C

both groups of boys were deviant but only the roughnecks were in trouble and were seen as typical gang members

the saints utilised their status to stay out of trouble

Question 2

CCCS

spectacular youth subcultures

Answer 2

looked at Teddy Boys, Skinheads etc and focused on issues with identity, style and societal reactions

they acknowledged the importance of socio-economic conditions

Question 3

Hall et al (1978)

mugging

Answer 3

looked at labelling and the creation of moral panics

‘mugging became a moral panic in the 70s and was associated with black males

Hall argues that crime and the reaction to it must be put in a historical and societal context first to be understood e.g. economic crisis’ causing unemployment

so, the ‘black mugger’ was a scapegoat for social problems and provided a distraction from economic worries an justified tougher policing