Marxist Theory on Crime Flashcards
What is the cause fo crime according to Marxists?
Capitalism causes crime because it is crimnogenic - causes crime by is very nature.
Who commits crime according to Marxists?
w/c and r/c.
Why do the w/c commit utilitarian crime?
Capitalism is based on the exploitation of the w/c - damaging to them, this can lead to crime. Poverty can lead to crime as the only way to survive.
Capitalism is based on consumerism (buying more and more goods) way to gain status. Crime is the only way people can obtain products promoted by capitalism through advertising.
Why do the w/c commit non-utilitarian crime?
Workers are exploited which makes them alienated - lead to feeling of fustration which can result in aggression and non-utilitarian crime.
Why do the r/c commit crime?
Capitalism encourages a ‘dog-eat-dog’ ruthless competition. So the r/c commit white collar and coporate crime such as tax evasion and breaches of health and safety laws.
What is the purpose of the law according to Marxists?
Purpose of the law is to serve te interests of the r/c.
What does Chambliss argue is the purpose of the law?
Chambliss argues laws that protect private property are the cornerstone of the capitalist economy.
Laws are occassionally passed that appear to benefit the w/c rather than capitalism - health and safety laws.
How can the r/c influence the law?
They can direct the types of law being introduced as well as prevent certain laws being introduced.
What is selective enforcement?
The law is selectively enforced against the w/c only. Reiman argues that the w/c are more likely to be arrested then m/c for the same crime.
What is the ideological function of the law?
Laws control the way we think, make people think laws benefit the w/c - give capitalism a ‘caring face.’
What is the evaluation on the Marxist theory on crime?
+ Explains utilitarian crime and non-utilitarian crime, explains blue and white collar crime
- Ignore the relationship between crime, ethnicity and gender.
- Deterministic and over preficts the amount of crime in the w/c, not all poor people commit crime, despite poverty.
