Classical Marxist Approaches

• What do Marxists argue causes crime?

  The economic system of capitalism
• How does capitalism lead to crime according to Marxists?

  It exploits the working class, causing poverty
• Why might someone turn to crime in a capitalist society?

  To provide basic necessities of life
• What do Marxists believe about the values of capitalism?

  They are potentially criminal values
• How do Marxists view the relationship between employers and workers?

  Employers exploit workers for profit
• What is transgressive criminology in Marxist thought?

  • Focuses on acts against the law
  • Considers legal acts that cause harm
  • Questions who the real criminals are
• How do Marxists perceive the law?

  As created by the ruling class for their interests
• What type of law does Chambliss argue is predominant in the US and UK?

  Property law
• What did Chambliss claim about the ruling class in his 1978 study?

  They were part of a crime syndicate
• What is the role of the criminal justice system according to Chambliss?

  To control the working class while protecting the rich
• What did Graham find about the "war on drugs" in the US?

  It targeted drugs not profitable for the bourgeoisie
• What did Pearce argue about health and safety laws?

  They helped the bourgeoisie, not workers
• What conclusion did Snider reach about laws benefiting workers?

  They were often not enforced strongly
• What types of crime do Marxists focus on?

  • White-collar crime
  • Corporate crime
  • State crime
  • Less focus on petty crime