Topic 3 - Marxist, Neo-Marxist And Critical Crimnology Flashcards
What do Marxists argue that capitalism is?
Criminogenic - generates crime
Why does the nature of capitalism mean that crime is inevitable (Chambliss)
m/c and w/c reasons
- W/C will commit crime because poverty could mean that crime is the only way to survive
- M/C will commit crime due to a ‘dog-eat-dog’ environment
What does Gordon argue about crime?
Is it rational - makes sense
Evaluations from criminogenic capitalism
PM - Mx are deterministic - not all w/c turn to crime and people are not passive
What does Reiman and Leighton argue about law enforcement?
Highlights how laws are applied differently based on social class often favouring the wealthy
How does the HSBC case back up selective law enforcement?
HSBC were caught for money laundering for drug cartels yet were fined £1.9 billion which is less than their profits
How does selective law enforcement benefit capitalism?
- Distracts people from real issues
- Imprisonment neutralizes opposition to the system
- Provides a justification for imprisonment
What do Marxists argue the law is an expression of?
The ruling class interests
How does Vagrancy Laws show how the law reflects the interests of the dominant class?
After there was a massive shortage of workers following the Black Death, the law made it illegal to give money to anyone who was unemployed
Evaluation of selective law enforcement (Realists)
Marxists seem to suggest that the high rate of crime among the w/c people is solely the outcome of biased policing, when in reality, they commit the most crime
What is white collar crime?
Committed by m/c people who abuse their work positions for personal gain
What is corporate crime?
Offences committed by large companies which directly benefit the company
What are Slapper and Tombs 6 main types of corporate crime?
Labour law violations
Manufacturing offences
Financial offences
Environmental/green crimes
Paperwork and non-compliance
Unfair trade practices
