Marxist Essay Plan Flashcards
(8 cards)
What do Traditional Marxists argue about capitalism and crime?
Capitalism is criminogenic — it creates the conditions for crime through inequality, greed, and alienation. Bonger (1916) and Gordon (1976) argue that capitalism encourages self-interest and competition, making crime a rational response.
Example: The poor may turn to theft or robbery. The rich commit white-collar crimes like fraud to maintain profits.
Evaluate the Marxist view that capitalism causes crime.
Right Realists argue crime results from poor socialisation and rational choice, not economic systems. They believe individuals choose to offend and must take personal responsibility, regardless of class position.
How do Marxists view law creation and enforcement in capitalism?
Laws are made by and for the bourgeoisie to protect their interests. Chambliss (1975) argued laws protect private property. Snider (1993) noted the state avoids passing laws that harm corporate profits.
Example: Street crimes are heavily policed, while corporate crimes (e.g. tax avoidance) are rarely prosecuted.
Evaluate the Marxist view of law and law enforcement.
Interactionists like Becker (1963) argue deviance is the result of labelling, not class interests. They believe Marxists ignore the meanings behind deviant acts and how deviance is socially constructed through interaction.
What do Interactionists argue about crime and deviance?
Interactionists reject Marxism’s structural focus. Becker (1963) says deviance is created through labelling. Cicourel (1968) showed police use class-based stereotypes in who gets labelled as deviant.
Example: Middle-class boys are often seen as having promising futures and let off. Working-class boys are more likely to be labelled and charged.
Evaluate the Interactionist criticism of Marxism.
Interactionism explains how deviance is labelled, but it ignores structural inequality — Marxists argue that the bias behind labelling stems from capitalism, which Interactionists overlook.
How do Functionalists criticise the Marxist view of crime?
Functionalists argue crime can be functional, not just a reflection of capitalist oppression. Durkheim (1895) said crime reinforces shared norms, maintains social order, and allows legal change.
Example: Suffragette crimes led to positive legal reforms in women’s rights.
Evaluate the Functionalist criticism of Marxism.
Functionalism highlights crime’s role in social stability, but critics say it ignores power and inequality — what’s seen as ‘functional’ may actually serve ruling-class ideology, not society as a whole.
