why does crime/deviance happen - traditional marxism

Question 1

criminogenic capitalism

Answer 1

crime is inevitable in capitalism, because capitalism is criminogenic - by its very nature, it causes crime. Because capitalism is based on the exploitation of WC. The WC are used as a means to an end (profit)

Question 2

criminogenic capitalism - working class

Answer 2

WC commit crime because it is the only way they can survive and get out of poverty. Crime is the only way they can get consumer goods that capitalism promotes. Alienation and lack of control over their lives may lead to frustration and aggression, resulting in crimes such as violence and vandalism

Question 3

criminogenic capitalism - ruling class

Answer 3

RC may commit corporate crime e.g tax evasion as crime is a responce to capitalism it can be found in all social classes

Question 4

the state and law making

Answer 4

marxists see law making and enforcement as serving the interests of the capitalist class e.g laws to protect private property are the cornerstone of the capitalist economy. the RC has power to prevent laws that harm their interests and pass laws that support them. e.g the introduction of english law into britains east african colonies

Question 5

selective enforcement

Answer 5

while all classes commit crime there is selective enforcement of the law - this means the criminal justice system chooses which crimes to prosecute and which ones they turn a blind eye to. powerless groups like the WC and EMs are criminalised whilst police and courts turn a blind eye to crimes of the powerful. there is a much higher prosecution rate for crimes of the poor than crimes of the rich.