SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIMINALITY : MARXISM

Question 1

How do Marxists view the structure of society

Answer 1

Marxists argue that the unequal structure of a capitalist society shapes people’s behaviour.

• CAPITALISM is a type of society where the primary goal is accumulation / making profit (assets and wealth)
• In a capitalist society the means of creating wealth are owned and controlled by a small minority called the ruling class –> they aim to maximize their profits so they become richer and more powerful
• Most people are part of the working class and must work and earn a wage in order to survive

Question 2

What do Marxists say about capitalism

Answer 2

They believe it is unfair and should be replaced with a fairer type of society called communism, where the state holds capital and use it in ways that benefit all people.

Question 3

How do Marxists explain criminality

Answer 3

Marxists believe that capitalism is criminogenic.
Blue collar crimes are committed by the powerless:
- Poverty means crime may be the only way some working class people can survive.
- Capitalism is based on consumerism. This can lead to crime within the working class when they cannot afford the goods (e.g. theft).
- The working class face inequality and a lack of control over their lives and this leads to alienation, frustration and aggression (with can lead to crime).

White collar crimes are committed by the powerful (greed and self-interest of the ruling class).

Question 4

How do Marxists explain law and punishment

Answer 4

Argue that the ruling class control the political system, criminal justice system and the legal system. Therefore, Chambliss argues that laws are created to protect the interests of the ruling class and not to protect the working class.

• Police are directed to selectively enforce some laws and ignore others, meaning poor areas are heavily patrolled and poor people are more likely to be arrested.
• Judges are part of the ruling class and they tend to give harsher sentences to the poor. The poor are more likely to go to prison.
• The media focus too much on the crimes of the poor and ignore the crimes of the powerful. This adds tot he illusion that the ruling class deserve their power position, e.g. Ford Pinto

Question 5

One strength of Marxism: Practical application e.g. Celebrities and MPs, Ford Pinto, Corporate crime

Answer 5

Marxism shows how law-making and law enforcement are biased against the working class and in favour of the powerful. E.g. corporate crimes are rarely prosecuted / MPs and celebrities break lockdown rules and covid restrictions without punishment / Ford Pinto

Question 6

One strength of Marxism: Highlights selective law enforcement

Answer 6

Marxism highlights selective law enforcement which means that crime appears to be a working class problem as reflected in official statistics.

Marxism explains how capitalism causes crime at all levels (criminogenic) and shows how poverty and inequality can cause working class crime and how capitalism encourages greed and upper class crime.