CRIME AND DEVIANCE - Marxism - 2) Ideological Function of Crime and Law, Pearce, Althusser Flashcards
What is the Ideological Function of Crime and Law, according to Marxists?
The law, crime and criminals perform an ideological function for capitalism!
FOR EXAMPLE = Laws are occasionally passed and appear to be for the benefit of the working class rather than capitalism, such as workplace health and safety laws. Health and safety laws benefit all of the work force and make them feel seen and respected by the bourgeoisie. However, there is a hidden motive behind these laws, as they also make sure that the workforce stays open so that the company is not sued for injuries caused, which would result in the company losing money (Hidden motive for capitalism)!
What sociologist says (amongst other things) that laws introduced by the government help to reinforce the false class consciousness of workers?
Frank Pearce!
(PEARCE) What does he say in regards to the Ideological Function of Crime and Law, in terms of reinforcing the false class consciousness?
He says that laws, such as health and safety laws, benefit the ruling class too –> FOR EXAMPLE
= These rules keep the workforce fit and ready to work and serve the capitalist system!
By giving capitalism a ‘caring’ face (making it seem like they care about the welfare of workers), these laws help to reinforce the false class consciousness amongst workers.
(PEARCE) What does he say in regards to the Ideological Function of Crime and Law, in regards to selective law enforcement?
He says that, because the state enforces the law selectively, crime appears to be a largely working-class phenomenon (blue-collar crimes)!
This leads to divisions in the working-class, as it encourages workers to blame the ‘criminals in their midst/class’ for their problems, rather than blaming and attacking the capitalist system –> This takes tension away from the bourgeoisie and leads to internal class conflicts!
(PEARCE) What does he say in terms of the Ideological Function of Crime and Law, in relation to the media and the portrayal of criminals?
The media acts as an agent of secondary socialisation and helps to create a false consciousness amongst the working-class by portraying criminals as disturbed individuals. This conceals and hides the fact that it is actually the nature of capitalism that makes people criminals!!
(PEARCE) What percentage of violent crimes are NOT committed by people with a diagnosed mental health condition?
96% –> This demonstrates that it is actually the nature of capitalism that makes people commit crimes (criminogenic capitalism)!
The people that we are worried about (people with mental health conditions) are actually not the people who we should be worried about –> This is demonstrated with the use of the ISA and the media creating a moral panic (Stan Cohen).
What Marxist identified the ISA and the RSA?
Althusser!
(ALTHUSSER) Explain what Althusser identified!
He said that the ruling class controls the behaviours of the working-class through social institutions, such as religion and education (ISA) –> This controls the masses’ minds and passes on the dominant norms and values of the bourgeoisie!
(ALTHUSSER) Give an example of the ISA being used to promote hegemony. HINT: Give as many examples as you can; there are 2 here!
- Teaching of conformity in schools
- The hierarchy of schools
(ALTHUSSER) What did he say that the ISA was meant for? HINT: Indoctrination!
He said that the ISA was there to make sure that people were indoctrinated into believing the ruling class’ ideas –> The idea of meritocracy made the working class feel like the did not deserve high status!
(ALTHUSSER) What did he say that RSA was meant for? HINT: Punishment!
He said that the RSA would be used to push back and punish individuals who deny or reject the ideology (meaning that the ISA has failed).
The RSA establishes social order and social control (as seen with the police and the legal system) –> They use coercion (putting people in prison, community service etc) and physical control to quieten opposition to the ruling class (the opposition mainly being from the working-class to the establishment).
(ALTHUSSER) Give some examples of the RSA being used! HINT: Give as many examples as you can; there are around 3 here!
- 2011 London Riots
- Police response to BLM protests
- Politicisation of the Police in the Miners’ Strike in the 80s and the Poll Tax Riots in the 90s
What are the evaluating points for Althusser? HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 3 here!
- Not based on actual research (only based on theory, but modern sociologists can provide examples, as seen with the 2011 Riots etc)
- People can reject the ideologies of the ruling class without committing actions / opposing the bourgeoisie so heavily that the RSA needs to be involved = Passive resistance
- The UK requires the state to obtain the consent of the masses in order to govern via the democratic process with elections etc
