marxism basics Flashcards
(17 cards)
What do Marxists believe is the main function of law?
Protection the interests and property of the ruling class, maintaining capitalism. Chambliss
How does capitalism cause crime according to Marxists?
Capitalism creates inequality, poverty, and greed, which drive both working-class and elite crime.
What does it mean to say capitalism is ‘criminogenic’?
That capitalism inherently causes crime due to its exploitative and unequal nature.
How is the law selective?
The working class is policed harshly, while white-collar are often ignored.
How do Marxists explain the under-policing of corporate and white-collar crime?
White collar & Corportae threaten the capitalist system, so they are under-enforced to protect the ruling class.
What are ideological functions of the law, and how do they maintain capitalism?
ILLUSION OF EQUALITY, masking exploitation and preventing “bloody revolution”.
Why do Marxists argue that working-class crimes are over-criminalised?
To control the working class and distract from the crimes of the elite.
CGB
Who are key Marxist sociologists and what do they argue?
Chambliss- law protects the powerful
Gordon- capitalism is criminogenic),
Box -law is ideological.
What are criticisms of the traditional Marxist view of crime?
Too focused on class, ignores gender/ethnicity, and over-deterministic.
How does Neo-Marxism differ from traditional Marxism in explaining crime?
It includes individual agency and meaning, not just economic structures.
What is the ‘fully social theory of deviance’?
A 7-part explanaition of crime by combining social structure with individual meaning. Taylor
Why do Neo-Marxists view crime as a meaningful and political act?
conscious resistance to capitalist oppression
How do Neo-Marxists combine structure and agency in their theory of crime?
They analyse capitalist system and the individual’s motivations and reactions. (Marxinteractionalism)
What are the 7 parts of the fully social theory of deviance?
When ** I**diots Attempt Illegal Weird Crimes Frequently
How is the individual’s motivation for crime viewed by Neo-Marxists?
As purposeful and politically meaningful, not just a reaction to poverty.
What criticisms are made of Neo-Marxism?
It romanticises criminals and ignores the harm to victims.
How do Neo-Marxists respond to criticisms about ignoring victims?
They argue that focusing on root causes of crime (like inequality) is the best way to protect victims long-term.
