Marxism and labelling theory

Question 1

What do marxists believe about crime ?

Answer 1

That the nature of capitalism causes crime therefore it is inevitable

Question 2

What did David Gordon (1976) say ?

Answer 2

He suggests that working class crime is a rational response to the inequalities that exist in capitalist society

Question 3

What are the reasons for Gordon’s statement ?

Answer 3

Poverty may be the only way for the WC to survive

Crime may be the only way to obtain consumer goods

Alienation may lead to frustration leading to non-utilitarian crimes

Question 4

What does Bonger (1916) say ?

Answer 4

Capitalism is based upon competition, selfishness and greed which influences peoples’ attitudes to life

Question 5

What do marxists say about law making ?

Answer 5

They say the laws are created to benefit the ruling class to impose their values on everyone else

Question 6

What effect does law making have on the working class ?

Answer 6

They are tricked into thinking laws are created for their benefit

Question 7

What does W A Chambliss say ?

Answer 7

Laws to protect private property are the cornerstone of the capitalist economy

Question 8

What example does Chambliss use to illustrate his point ?

Answer 8

Britain’s East African colonies

Question 9

What does Reiman (2001) say ?

Answer 9

That the more likely a crime is to be committed by higher-class people, the less likely it is to be treated as a criminal offence

Question 10

What are the ideological functions of Crime and law ?

Answer 10

Reproduction of inequality

Creation of laws that appear to benefit the Middle class

Legitimisation of Inequality