What is capitalism
Economic system where trade is controlled and owned by private companies for profit, not by the state (r/c)
What are the Marxist arguments for why crime happens
- crime is criminogenic
- state and law making
- selective law enforcement
- ideological functions of crime
- invisibility of white collar and corporate crime
What does Marx say about crime and capitalism
Capitalism is criminogenic; the nature of a capitalist society encourages crime and deviance in all classes; therefore, believe crime is inevitable in a capitalist society
What is meant by ‘working class crime’
The w/c are exploited by the r/c. As a result crime may be the only way for people in poverty to survive. Crime is also a way to obtain customer goods advertised by the r/c. This leads to utilitarian crime (theft)
What does exploitation cause in working class crime (capitalism is criminogenic)
Alienation may cause aggression and frustration, leading to non utilitarian crimes like violence
What is ruling class crime (capitalism is criminogenic)
Capitalism is a ‘win at all costs’ system of ruthless competition, while profit encourages greed. This in turn encourages capitalists to commit corporate crimes (tax evasion, breaking health and safety laws etc.)
What is state and law making
Marxists see S&LM as serving r/c interests; the r/c can use their own definitions of crime to protect themselves and target the w/c.
What is selective law enforcement
Marxists believe law enforcement is selective and favours the rich and powerful at the expense of the w/c.
Reiman shows that crimes of the powerful are much less likely to be treated as criminal offences and prosecuted.
What are ideological functions of crime
Althusser argues law is part of the ideological state apparatus which functions in the interests of the capitalist class to maintain and legitimise class inequality.
What are 3 examples of ideological functions of crime
- selective enforcement distorts crime stats; by making crime appear mostly w/c, it draws attention away from m/c crime.
- some laws benefit workers, e.g. health and safety; However, Pearce argues these also benefit capitalism; by giving them a ‘caring’ face, it promotes false class consciousness.
- because state enforces laws selectively, crime appears largely w/c. This divides the w/c, again shifting blame form capitalism to workers.
What is the invisibility of white collar and corporate crimes
White collar crime is a crime that involves the abuse of trust and power associated with occupational roles.
Corporate crime is when crime is committed for the company’s benefit.
Croall argues the costs of CC and WCC far outweigh the cost of blue (street) collar crime, however, they’re not often regarded as a serious problem with the public because it’s kept well hidden by:
- CC makes it difficult to identify the offender
- many businesses sack staff rather than charge them to avoid neg. press
- people are often unaware they’re a victim
