Neo-Marxist Theories of Crime and Deviance

Question 1

What is the fully social theory of deviance?

Answer 1

A comprehensive understanding of crime and deviance for the betterment of society.

Question 2

In what ways does neo-marxism agree with traditional marxism?

Answer 2

• Capitalism is based on exploitation and class conflict and understanding this is key to understanding crime.
• The state creates and enforces laws for the benefit of the ruling class.
• Capitalism should be replaced with a classless society where crime would be greatly reduced.

Question 3

What are 6 elements of a fully social theory of crime?

Answer 3

1. The wider origins of the deviant act
2. The immediate origins of the deviant act
3. The act itself
4. The immediate origins of the social reaction
5. The wider origins of the societal reaction
6. The effect of labelling

Question 4

In what 4 ways can crime be considered voluntarist?

Answer 4

1. Criminals make a conscious choice to commit crime
2. Political motives behind crime. Readdressing inequalities in wealth
3. Criminals aren’t passive puppets of capitalism
4. Free will

Question 5

What are some evaluations of neo-marxist theories of crime?

Answer 5

• It gives an overly romantic view of criminals, Robin Hoods who are fighting an unjust system. / Left realism points out that the majority of crime is against the working class by the working class.
• Neo-marxism has strayed too far from traditional marxism to be considered linked.
• Feminists: gender blind theory - applies the same explanation to both men and women despite it being made clear that men and women generally have different motivations to criminal activity.
• Not all crime is politically motivated (e.g. domestic violence & rape). Right realists argue that crime is opportunistic rather than a reaction to perceived injustice.
• This theory is overly idealistic and difficult to apply to real life.