SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIME : MARXISM Flashcards
what do Marxists say we live in?
capitalist society
what is capitalism?
social system which means of production are controlled by minority for profit
who controls the means of production?
the bourgeoisie
who are the workers of society?
the proletariat
marxists say that crime is a what of society?
inevitable consequence of capitalist society
who does crime benefit according to marxism?
the bourgeoisie
what has capitalist ideology done?
brainwashed the WC to be controlled through informal and formal policy making
why are WC more represented in crime statistics?
policed differently as they commit more visible crime such as vandalism whereas UC commit fraud
what do Marxists believe about official stats?
42% are not true, can be manipulated
what does Box talk about?
avoidable killings, the rich and powerful do not get punished
alienation is….
sense of powerlessness, lack of voice and control
what does Bonger talk about?
link between crime and economic conditions, if you are poor you will steal as capitalism promotes greed
what crime is there less focus on in a capitalist society?
white collar crime which is committed by the rich
crime is a _______ _______ according to marxism
rational response to situation
what does Chambliss talk about?
capitalism creates desire for certain things, but inability to earn money, therefore turn to crime
Marxism can be seen as…
too extreme and far fetched
what can be criticised about the upper class’ portrayal in marxist theory?
they aren’t in a conspiracy to criminalise WC
what does Marxism ignore?
ignores gender, ethnicity
do all capitalist societies have a high crime rate?
no, Japan does not
what does Marxism highlight?
impact of selective law enforcement through WC being over policed
what does Marxism demonstrate?
how the law reflects differences between social class
