Topic 11 - Neo-Marxist theories of crime Flashcards
Introduction?
Neo-Marxist or radical criminology emerged as a response to critiques of traditional Marxism. It addresses the diversity of opinions within Marxist theory, particularly around the role of the economy in shaping social relationships. Neo-Marxists argue that traditional Marxism is overly simplistic, focusing too heavily on capitalism and economic factors. They incorporate ideas from other sociological approaches, such as interactionism, to give more weight to social relationships and cultural influences on crime. This approach views culture as a key factor in shaping behavior and social dynamics.
Neo-Marxist theories of crime?
Neo-Marxist theories of crime build on key Marxist ideas, emphasizing the unequal distribution of power under capitalism. They argue that capitalism fosters crime through its promotion of greed and individualism. Additionally, they highlight the existence of competing social classes, each with its own interests, which contributes to criminal behavior.
Background to neo-marxist criminology?
Before the 1960s, criminology was dominated by American theories like functionalism and interactionism. British sociologists criticized functionalism, leading to the development of Neo-Marxism, which sought to combine interactionism with Marxist critical sociology. Neo-Marxists saw crime as a political act, reflecting the working class’s rejection of capitalism. They viewed criminals as both victims of society and, in some cases, as heroic figures challenging the system.
The new criminology?
The New Criminology (1973), developed by Taylor, Walton, and Young, critiqued traditional criminological theories by proposing a Marxist-based social theory of deviance. It argued that deviance should be understood in relation to social structures and institutions, and emphasized that crime is a political act—committed as a response to injustice and inequality. For example, a working-class person stealing from a store could be seen as redistributing wealth. Neo-Marxist ideas have also been applied to race and crime, with Hall and Gilroy arguing that ethnic minorities are unfairly labeled as more criminal, and that institutional racism in the criminal justice system leads to their over-representation in crime statistics.
Neo-Marxists and issues of race.
Neo-Marxists argue that ethnic minorities are unfairly stereotyped as criminals due to institutional racism in the CJS and police. Hall et al. (1979) studied “mugging” in 1970s London, suggesting it was a moral panic used to distract from economic and political issues while demonizing young black men. Gilroy (1982) argued that black criminality is a myth, with crime statistics reflecting police bias rather than reality. Both highlight how media and state institutions reinforce racial stereotypes to maintain control.
Assessments of Neo-Marxist theories of crime?
Neo-Marxists link crime to social inequalities, emphasizing class and race. They critique law enforcement and discrimination but lack clear solutions for change. Critics argue their view is romanticized, as crime often targets the poor rather than the rich. Hall and Gilroy suggest ethnic minorities are either unfairly criminalized or criminal due to racism, which some see as contradictory. If crime stems from oppression, the most oppressed (e.g., women, elderly) should be the most criminal, yet they are underrepresented in crime stats. Neo-Marxism also overlooks middle-class and corporate crime, leading some theorists to shift towards left realism.
