Marxist Theories of Crime

• What does Marxist theory blame for society's problems?

  The Ruling Class
• How does Marxist theory view crime in capitalist society?

  Crime is systematically generated by capitalism
• What are the three main elements of Marxist views on crime?

  • Criminogenic capitalism
  • The state and law making
  • Ideological functions of crime and law
• What did Marx say about social systems and crime?

  They increase wealth without reducing misery
• According to Gordon, why is crime inevitable in capitalism?

  Capitalism is criminogenic by nature
• What does capitalism exploit according to Marxists?

  The working class for profit
• How does poverty relate to crime in a capitalist society?

  Poverty may force crime for survival
• What role does greed play in crime according to Marxists?

  It drives individuals to commit theft
• How does alienation contribute to crime?

  It leads to frustration and aggression
• What does Gordon mean by a 'dog eat dog' system?

  Ruthless competition among capitalists
• What types of crimes does the profit motive encourage?

  White-collar and corporate crimes
• According to Gordon, where is crime found in society?

  In all social classes
• What did Chambliss argue about crime and self-interest?

  Self-interest motivates crimes at all levels
• What did Chambliss find about crime in different social strata?

  Crime exists in every stratum of society
• How did industrialization affect laws according to Chambliss?

  It created laws to protect private property
• What does Chambliss' study of vagrancy illustrate?

  Laws relate to the interests of the Ruling Class
• What did British authorities make illegal in the 18th Century?

  Helping a slave escape
• What was the purpose of the Poll Tax in East African Colonies?

  To force migrant workers into low-wage jobs
• What does Laureen Snider argue about the capitalist state?

  It is reluctant to regulate businesses
• How does selective law enforcement affect crime perception?

  It makes crime appear a working-class issue
• What ideological function do laws serve according to Pearce?

  They create a caring image of capitalism
• How do laws benefit the Ruling Class according to Pearce?

  By keeping workers fit for work
• What do Reiman and Leighton argue about the criminal justice system?

  It is biased against the poor
• How does the criminal justice system treat white-collar crime offenders?

  More lenient than property offenders
• What are the strengths of Marxist views on crime?

  • Recognizes the state's role in law enforcement
  • Explains the link between crime and capitalism
  • Shifts blame from individuals to the economic system
• What are the weaknesses of Marxist views on crime?

  • Ignores non-class inequalities
  • Over-predicts crime in the working class
  • Not all capitalist societies have high crime rates
  • Sometimes operates against Ruling Class interests
• What do Left Realists argue about Marxism?

  It ignores intra-class crimes
• What scandal should be researched related to Marxist views?

  The Post Office scandal
• What is a key comparison to make between Functionalist and Marxist views of crime?

  Differences in the role of social structure
• What factors contributed to the London Riots?

  Inequality and strain in society
• What should be researched regarding the London Riots?

  Reasons for rioting and protesting
• What is a timeline of events related to the London Riots?

  Key events leading to the riots
• What was the police response to the London Riots?

  Actions taken to control the riots
• What was the gangs’ response to the London Riots?

  Involvement in the riots and looting
• What is the main focus of Neo-Marxist explanations of crime and deviance?

  Disagreement with traditional Marxist views
• Why do Neo-Marxists criticize the idea of criminogenic capitalism?

  It presents a deterministic view of behavior
• How do Neo-Marxists view individuals in society?

  As active agents with free will
• Who developed the 'New Criminology' in the 1970s?

  Ian Taylor, Paul Walton, Jock Young
• What do Neo-Marxists argue about criminal behavior?

  It is a political response to capitalism
• How do Taylor, Walton, and Young view crime differently from traditional Marxists?

  They see crime as a meaningful choice