Marxism

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Structural theory. Argue unequal structure of capitalist society shapes peoples behaviour.

Question 2

Divided society

Answer 2

Divided into two classes:
Ruling capitalist class - own means of production
Working class - whose labour the capitalists exploit to make profits

Question 3

How does it explain crime?

Answer 3

Marxists believe capitalism is criminogenic - causes crime.
Poverty means crime might be only way some WC people survive.
Capitalism is based on consumerism. WC want goods produced but can’t afford it => crime to afford it.

Question 4

Laws and punishment

Answer 4

Ruling class control political system.
Laws created to protect ruling class not WC.
Police selectively enforce some laws and ignore others.

Question 5

Strengths

Answer 5

Shows how poverty and inequality can cause WC crime.
Shows how both law-making and law enforcement are biased against the working class and in favour of the powerful.

Question 6

Weaknesses.

Answer 6

Over predicts the amount of WC crime. Not all poor ppl turn to crime.
Focuses on class and largely ignores the relationship between crime + other inequalities e.g gender