Marxist theories of crime

• What is the main focus of Marxist theories of crime?

  Marxist theories of crime focus on the relationship between capitalism and crime.
• How does social control function in society according to Marxist theories?

  Social control is essential to maintain order and prevent rebellion in society.
• What do Marxists argue about the relationship between capitalism and crime?

  Marxists argue that capitalism creates conditions that lead to crime, such as poverty and frustration among the working class.
• Who argued that the ruling class uses laws to protect their interests?

  Marxists argue that the ruling class passes laws that benefit their own interests.
• What type of laws dominate in capitalist societies according to Marxists?

  Property laws dominate in capitalist societies, serving to protect the interests of the ruling class.
• How do Marxists view the enforcement of laws in capitalist societies?

  Marxists view the enforcement of laws as selective, often favoring the ruling class over the working class.
• What did Chambliss (1978) find in his study of crime in Seattle?


  Chambliss found that those in power could use their influence to conduct criminal activities and avoid punishment.
• What is the concept of 'selective enforcement' as discussed by Gordon (1976)?

  Selective enforcement refers to the idea that laws are enforced more rigorously against the working class than against the ruling class.
• How do traditional Marxists overlook other factors affecting crime?

  Traditional Marxists are criticized for ignoring the role of patriarchy and other social factors in crime creation.
• What do Taylor, Walton, and Young argue about the nature of criminals?

  Taylor, Walton, and Young argue that criminals make conscious, meaningful choices to break the law.
• What is the 'fully social theory of deviance' proposed by Taylor, Walton, and Young?

  • Analyzes deviant acts from multiple viewpoints
  • Considers wealth and power distribution
  • Examines unique circumstances of each act
  • Looks at the nature of the deviant act
  • Evaluates societal reactions to deviance
  • Investigates who has the power to define deviance
  • Assesses the impact of labeling on individuals
• What did Hall et al. (1978) analyze regarding media reports of muggings?

  Hall et al. analyzed media reports that created a moral panic about black muggers during an economic crisis.
• What motivations did Hall et al. identify for the state and media during the mugging crisis?

  The state wanted to maintain control, while the media sought dramatic stories to attract attention.
• How did the public react to the portrayal of muggers in the media according to Hall et al.?

  The public overreacted to the portrayal of muggers, leading to unjustified moral panic.
• What are some criticisms of traditional Marxist theories of crime?

  • Overlooks the role of patriarchy
  • Ignores crime in non-capitalist societies
  • Focuses too much on corporate crime
  • Fails to account for low crime rates in some capitalist societies
• What is the main argument of critical criminology?

  Critical criminology argues that crime is a conscious choice made by individuals to challenge societal norms.
• How do Marxists view the relationship between capitalism and crime?

  Marxists view capitalism as inherently crime-causing due to its exploitative nature.
• What is the significance of the term 'crimegenic' in Marxist theory?

  'Crimegenic' refers to the idea that capitalism creates conditions that lead to crime.
• How might the law benefit the ruling class according to Marxist theories?

  The law benefits the ruling class by protecting their property and interests while criminalizing the actions of the working class.
• What is the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime according to Hall et al.?

  The media plays a significant role in creating moral panics and shaping public perceptions of crime.
• Why do some sociologists reject the Marxist idea of crime being caused by capitalism?

  Some sociologists argue that crime exists in various social systems and that capitalism is not the sole cause of crime.
• How do Marxists explain the relationship between crime and social class?

  Marxists explain that crime is often a result of the frustrations and economic struggles faced by the working class.