Marxist theory

Question 1

Althusser:

Answer 1

Ruling class controlled the behaviours of the w/c through social institutions. EG. ISA AND RSA

Question 2

ISA:

Answer 2

Ideologies of social stratification give higher status to the ruling class.
Ideas such as meritocracy make the w/c feel like they did not deserve high status.

Question 3

RSA:

Answer 3

Police, legal system and in extreme cases armed forces use coercion and physical force to control dissenting voices.
EG. 2011 riots - Unrest was triggerred by the shooting of a black man. 4000 police officers deployed.

Question 4

A03: Althusser

Answer 4

• Theoretical basis - not based on actual research

Question 5

Bonger: Criminogenic capitalism:

Answer 5

Capitalism creates false needs whilst simultaneously denying people the means to achieve these.

Question 6

Chambliss:

Answer 6

• Crime = universal throughout the social class system due to the individualistic and utilitarian nature of capitalism
• W/c criminals have limited means to commit crime and gravitate towards violent acts and exploitation of weaker individuals
• M/c has unlimited means so can commit more subtle forms of crime - Petty crimes

Question 7

Gordon: ‘Dog eat dog’

Answer 7

• Capitalism = competition generated leads to criminal activities.
• Crime is a rational act in order to get ahead of other in competing positions

Question 8

A03:

Answer 8

• Doesn’t explain why w/c don’t target higher social classes for criminal activity.