Marxist theories

• What do Marxists believe is the cause of crime in capitalist societies?

  Capitalism is the cause of crime.
• Why do Marxists view crime as inevitable in capitalist societies?

  Because capitalism exploits the working class.
• How might living in poverty lead to crime among the working class?

  It may force them to commit crimes for survival.
• What types of crimes might be committed as a result of poverty?

  Theft and robbery are common crimes.
• What type of crime is committed due to exposure to consumer goods advertisements?

  Theft is a common crime in this context.
• How can feelings of alienation lead to crime?

  They may cause anger and frustration, leading to crime.
• What types of crimes are likely committed by the middle and upper classes?

  White-collar crimes such as fraud and tax evasion.
• What does David Gorman argue about crime in relation to capitalism?

  Crime is a rational response to capitalism across all classes.
• How do Marxists view the law in relation to the Bourgeoisie?

  They believe the law serves the interests of the Bourgeoisie.
• How does Chambliss view the role of laws in society?

  He argues laws protect the interests of capitalists.
• What is an example of a law that protects the Bourgeoisie?

  Laws protecting private property are an example.
• What does selective law enforcement mean in the context of capitalism?

  It means the law is enforced more on the working class.
• What does the example of Seattle illustrate about law enforcement?

  The poor are often charged while the powerful evade justice.
• How do the police and highways work in relation to the Bourgeoisie?

  They work in favor of the Bourgeoisie, not the working class.
• What is the ideological function of laws in capitalism?

  Laws create a false sense of security for workers.
• How do health and safety laws benefit capitalists?

  They create an illusion of care for workers while benefiting capitalists.
• What is the impact of selective law enforcement on the working class?

  It leads them to blame criminals instead of capitalism.
• How does the media contribute to perceptions of crime?

  It portrays certain groups as criminals, ignoring white-collar crimes.
• What do Marxists criticize about labelling theory?

  They criticize it for ignoring the structure of capitalism.
• What are the three main elements of Marxism's view of crime?

  1. Criminogenic capitalism
  2. The state and law making
  3. Ideological functions of crime and law
• What is the role of capitalism in shaping the superstructure according to Marxism?

  Capitalism determines the shape of social institutions.
• Why should official statistics be treated with caution according to Marxists?

  Because they unfairly target the working class.
• How do laws that seem to benefit the working class actually serve the ruling class?

  They create a false class consciousness among workers.
• What is the significance of Carson's findings on health and safety prosecutions?

  Only 1.5% of cases were prosecuted, showing selective enforcement.
• How does capitalism create a divide among the working class?

  It leads them to blame criminals instead of the system.
• What is the impact of the media's portrayal of crime on society?

  It fails to expose white-collar crimes and misleads public perception.