The Marxist Perspective on Crime

• What does Marxism focus on regarding crime?

  Crime as a natural outgrowth of capitalism
• How does the criminal justice system serve the elite according to Marxists?

  It benefits elites and controls lower classes
• What are the four key points of the Marxist perspective on crime?

  1. Capitalism is Crimogenic
  2. The law benefits the elite
  3. All classes commit crime
  4. Selective law enforcement occurs
• What does "Capitalism is Crimogenic" mean?

  Capitalism encourages criminal behavior
• Who are the key sociologists associated with the Marxist perspective on crime?

  William Chambliss and Laureen Snider
• How does capitalism encourage self-interest according to Marxists?

  It promotes individual profit over community welfare
• What is the relationship between capitalism and materialism?

  Capitalism fosters unrealistic consumer aspirations
• How does advertising contribute to crime in capitalist societies?

  It creates unattainable lifestyle aspirations
• What is status frustration and how does it relate to crime?

  Feelings of inadequacy can lead to criminal behavior
• How does capitalism create inequality and poverty?

  It generates radical inequality among social classes
• What term does David Rothkopf use to describe the wealthy elite?

  Superclass
• How do the wealthy segregate themselves according to Zygmunt Bauman?

  By living in gated communities
• What does William Chambliss argue about economic crime?

  It is a rational response to capitalism's pressures
• How does Marxism view the relationship between crime and social class?

  All classes commit crime, not just the poor
• What crimes is Donald Trump accused of committing?

  Falsifying documents and election interference
• How do Marxists view the crimes of the elite compared to street crime?

  Elite crimes are more harmful than street crime
• Why do Marxists focus on social and environmental harms?

  Elites define their violence as legitimate
• What does Angela Davis argue about real criminals in society?

  They are those who steal wealth from others
• What is the focus of white-collar crime according to Marxists?

  Hidden crimes of the elite
• What are the ideological functions of selective law enforcement?

  • Policing marginalized groups
  • Protecting elite interests
  • Maintaining social order
• What are the implications of unequal access to the law?

  • Wealth influences legal outcomes
  • Poor receive harsher punishments
  • Rich can delay trials and influence sentences
• How does capitalism affect societal values?

  • Promotes self-interest
  • Encourages materialism
  • Creates competitive pressures
• What are the consequences of advertising in capitalist societies?

  • Creates unrealistic aspirations
  • Leads to status frustration
  • Encourages criminal behavior
• How do Marxists view the relationship between capitalism and crime rates?

  • Higher inequality correlates with higher crime
  • Economic crime flourishes in capitalist societies
  • More egalitarian societies have lower crime rates
• What are the criticisms of the Marxist perspective on crime?

  • Overemphasis on class
  • Neglect of individual agency
  • Simplistic view of crime causes
• Who defines the violence they do as legitimate?

  Historically, elites define their violence
• From a Marxist perspective, why do elites define their violence as legitimate?

  Because they have the power to do so
• What historical events are cited as examples of harm by European powers?

  Colonialism and slavery across continents
• How does a Marxist perspective view colonial harms?

  They should be redefined as criminal
• Who is Angela Davis?

  Former leader of the Black Panthers
• What does Angela Davis suggest about real criminals in society?

  They are those who steal global wealth
• What do Marxists argue about white-collar and corporate crime?

  They exert a greater economic toll
• Who points out the economic cost of white-collar crime?

  Laureen Snider
• What organizations document illegal corporate activities?

  Multinational Monitor and Corporate Watch
• What are the two types of white-collar crime discussed?

  • Fraud
  • Health and Safety infringements
• Why are white-collar crimes often overlooked by the public?

  They sound complex or unexciting
• What is white-collar crime?

  Crimes for individual interests against organizations
• What is corporate crime?

  Crimes committed by or for corporations
• What drives corporate crime?

  The desire to increase profits
• What is the estimated cost of corporate bailouts in the USA?

  About $500 billion