Radical Criminology: Marxist and Neo-Marxist

Question 1

3 main features of marxist approach

Answer 1

1. Capitalist society is criminogenic: crime built in and natural outgrowth of society emphasising self-interest, greed and personal gain so crime is a natural response.
2. Law reflects ruling-class interests and ideology: Law instrument of ruling-class that reflect their beliefs; protection of private property.
3. Selective law enforcement: Statistics say crime mainly W/C phenomenon- M/C crime punished less harshly or often

Question 2

Neo-marxist theory

Answer 2

Argue traditional marxists are too deterministic in saying people being driven to crime without their control. Say W/C crimes like theft and vandalism are forms of political protest such as the idea of black crime in the 70’s.

Question 3

Neo-marxism: The new criminology

Answer 3

Taylor argued to fully understand crime we must draw on structural and interpretivist by blending labelling theory and marxism. This was applied by Hall with 70’s black crime.

Question 4

Criticisms of marxist and neo-marxist theories of crime

Answer 4

1. Over-emphasis property crime and dont mention things like rape and murder.
2. Over-emphasis class inequality and not gender or ethnicity
3. Feminists accuse approach of being malestream
4. Pay little attention to victims