Neo-Marxist Theories Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is a fully social theory of crime?
A comprehensive understanding of crime and deviance aimed at improving society.
What are the elements of a fully social theory of crime?
The wider origins of the deviant act.
The immediate origins of the deviant act.
The act itself.
The immediate origins of the social reaction.
The wider origins of social reaction.
The effect of labelling.
What are the key points of Hall’s (1978) “Policing the Crisis”?
The 1970s were a time of social crisis.
Inner city riots, conflict in Northern Ireland, and strikes.
Mugging was associated with African Caribbean men, leading to media outrage.
Racism in the MET police.
African Caribbean men were scapegoated easily.
A sense of injustice and loss of confidence in the criminal justice system among ethnic minorities (EM).
How does Neo-Marxism agree with traditional Marxism?
Capitalism is based on exploitation and class conflict.
The state creates and enforces laws to benefit the ruling class.
Capitalism should be replaced with a classless society, which would reduce crime.
What are the four ways crime can be considered voluntarist?
Criminals make a conscious choice to commit crime (meaningful action).
Criminals are not passive puppets of capitalism.
Political motives behind crime (e.g., addressing wealth inequalities).
Crime is an exercise of free will.
What is the criticism from Rock (1988) about Neo-Marxism?
Rock argues Neo-Marxism gives an overly romantic view of criminals, portraying them as “Robin Hoods” fighting an unjust system.
What is Hirst’s (1975) criticism of Neo-Marxism?
Hirst believes Neo-Marxism has strayed too far from traditional Marxism and cannot be considered linked.
What is the feminist criticism of Neo-Marxism?
Neo-Marxism is gender-blind, applying the same explanations to both men and women despite clear differences in motivations for criminal activity.
What do Right Realists argue about crime motivation?
Right Realists argue that not all crimes are politically motivated. Crimes like domestic violence and rape are not reactions to capitalist inequalities but are opportunistic.
What is the critique about the idealism of Neo-Marxism?
Neo-Marxism is overly idealistic and difficult to apply in real life. Hall’s work comes close but still contains conjecture and is not a perfect fit.
