Sociological - Marxist

Question 1

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain the strengths

Answer 1

+ Explains the relationship between capitalism and crime

+ Links to idea that crime is socially constructed by the law makers at the top

+ Explains reasons for non-utilitarian crime & utilitarian crime

Question 2

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain the weaknesses

Answer 2

• Some communist countries have high crime rate and the leaders exploit people
• Theories are being ignored: Biological, psychological background and social background
• Ignores freewill (people can choose not to commit crimes)

Question 3

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain the Marxist theory

Answer 3

Considers both Utilitarian and non utilitarian crime

Society is unequal

A capitalist society is driven by money and benefits the upper class (Crime is inevitable in a capitalist society)
Communism is based on shared ownership, fairness and classless societies.

The ruling class brainwash the working class.
When the working class are aware of this, they begin to riot and protest which can lead to a revolution in the worst cases.

Question 4

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain what Karl Marx believes

Answer 4

Capitalism should be abolished and there should be a move towards communism

Question 5

[MARXIST THEORY]

What does this theory call the ruling class and working class?

Answer 5

Bourgeoisie & Proletariat

Question 6

[MARXIST THEORY] - Criminology Application

Explain how the Marxist theory explains crime

Answer 6

Capitalism causes crime as the working class commit crime due to poverty.
Non-utilitarian crimes due to frustration

The ruling class commit crimes due to greed and selfishness. Crimes such as: white collar crimes and corporate crimes

Question 7

[MARXIST THEORY]

What are the 3 main elements of crime and law from the Marxist view

Answer 7

1. Capitalism causes crime
2. Law making and law enforcement are biased
3. Crime and the law perform ideological functions

Question 8

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain law making from the Marxist view

Answer 8

Laws are made to protect the ruling class

Question 9

[MARXIST THEORY]

What laws might not support the ruling class

Answer 9

Monopoly commission - prevents business owners from getting TOO big

Tax systems/laws

Question 10

[MARXIST THEORY]

What laws could be introduce to distribute wealth more equally?

Answer 10

The equality act - women getting equal pay & certain groups don’t experience blocked opportunities

Question 11

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain the selective law enforcement from the Marxist view

Answer 11

differential enforcement of the law means the same people will be accountable for their actions (working class) but some people wont (ruling class)

Question 12

[MARXIST THEORY]

Explain the ideological functions of crime and the law from the Marxist view

Answer 12

(Ideology = a set of ideas that conceal the inequality of the capitalist system)

Selective law enforcement makes it appear that crime is the fault of the W.C. which makes them blame the criminals for their problems rather than capitalism

Crime stats and media representation create moral panics about crimes of disadvantaged social groups to shift the focus off ruling class crimes

laws that are seemed to benefit the W.C. are said to be used to benefit capitalism by giving it a ‘caring face’. These laws are rarely enforced

[[ These ideas encourage the W.C. to accept capitalism rather than replace it with a more equal society]]