Topic 3: Class, Power and crime

Question 1

How does functionalism explain class differences in crime?

Answer 1

Crime is result of inadequate socialisation,
Miller: lower class subculture clashes with M/C, causes crime.

Question 2

How does strain theory explain class differences in crime?

Answer 2

W/C more likely to be denied legitimate opportunities, use illegitimate means to achieve instead.
Merton: calls this innovation

Question 3

How does Subcultural theories explain class differences in crime?

Answer 3

Cohen: W/C youths are deprived join subculture that commits crime
Cloward and Ohlin: Criminal subcultures occur in W/C neighbourhoods.

Question 4

What three elements do marxists say help to explain how capitalism causes crime.

Answer 4

-Capitalism is criminogenic,
-State and law making
-Ideological functions and crime

Question 5

What is meant by the term ‘capitalism is criminogenic’?

Answer 5

The very nature of capitalism causes crime

Question 6

What are some examples of how capitalism is criminogenic?

Answer 6

-crime may be only way W/C can get consumer goods
-capitalism can cause alienation of the W/C causing them to commit crimes.

Question 7

How does the state and law explain crime rates?

Answer 7

Law making and enforcement only serve the capitalist class.

Question 8

What example does Chambliss give of how law making enforces capitalist interest?

Answer 8

-Laws against property are cornerstone of capitalist economy