Traditional Marxist Perspective on CD

Question 1

what are the three main parts to Trad Marxist perspective on CD

Answer 1

-criminogenic capitalism
-law benefits ruling class
-law is selectively enforced

Question 2

explain criminogenic capitalism as a cause of CD

Answer 2

-capitalism emphasises profit, competition and individual gain which encourage CD
-utilitarian crimes= for profit, non utilitarian crimes = frustration at capitalist society

Question 3

which theorist argues criminogenic capitalism and what do they say

Answer 3

Gordon –> crime is a rational response to capitalism and found in all social classes

Question 4

explain how law making causes CD and give an example

Answer 4

-laws reflect interest of ruling class and ruling class prevent laws which may hurt profits from passing
-eg health and safety laws provide fit and healthy workforce

Question 5

explain how law enforcement causes CD

Answer 5

-law is enforced selectively to favour ruling class
-corporate crime rarely identified or prosecuted
-results in stereotyping of w/c groups

Question 6

who supports the law enforcement theory and why

Answer 6

Reiman; street crimes reported/ pursued more than what collar crime

Question 7

who supports law making theory and why

Answer 7

Pearce; laws benefitting w/c benefit ruling class through making capitalism seem caring and promotes FCC

Question 8

give three strengths of the trad marxist perspective on CD

Answer 8

-links many theories eg labelling theory
-offers communist solution
-influenced white collar crime research and doubt of official stats

Question 9

give four weaknesses of the trad marxist perspective on CD

Answer 9

-many laws benefit everyone eg traffic laws
-assumes passive puppets
-not intersectional
-ignore intra class crimes