Marxism

Question 1

Core

Answer 1

Gordon (1976) argued capitalism
encourages individualism, self-preservation and greed
which can lead to crime (dog-eat-dog)

Question 2

Expanded

Answer 2

The class system, based around capitalism, causes crime in two ways

Question 3

Expanded- exploitation

Answer 3

The working classes experiences of oppression, poverty and
alienation lead to frustrations or desperation that cause
crime

Question 4

Expanded- motivation& desire

Answer 4

• We must remember that all classes commit crimes – why?
• The working classes see what they do not have, but could
  have, and are tempted into crime (desire)
• The middle and upper classes want more

Question 5

Strengths

Answer 5

➤Explains a wide range
of crimes
➤ From street crime to
corporate crime.

Question 6

Weakness

Answer 6

➤Ignores gender and
other identities
➤ Why do women
commit fewer crimes?
➤ Overemphasises
capitalist power – some
corporations face justic

Question 7

What are prisons and do they work?

Answer 7

Prisons are secure
places where people are kept as punishment for breaking the law.
They are meant to punish offenders and protect the public by
removing dangerous individuals.

Question 8

How do prisons control crime?

Answer 8

Deterrence – People may avoid crime if they fear going
to prison.
● Rehabilitation – Some prisons try to help offenders
change through education, training, or therapy.
● Retribution – Some believe offenders deserve
punishment and prison provides justice.
● Public protection – Removing dangerous people can
make communities feel safer.
- But prisons don’t always work. Many people reoffend
after being released, and some argue that prison can
actually make things worse if there’s no support
afterward.

Question 9

Theory linked to policy

Answer 9

This view sees prisons as a tool used by the powerful
to control the working class and keep the capitalist system in
place by removing those seen as threats to the social order