Sociological theories

• Who created Marxism?

  Karl Marx
• What do Marxists state about society?

  We live in a capitalist society
• How is capitalism defined?

  Private ownership of production, distribution, exchange
• What two social classes are identified by Marxists?

  The Ruling Class and The Working Class
• Who are the Ruling Class according to Marxists?

  People who own the means of production
• Who are the Working Class according to Marxists?

  People exploited by the ruling class
• Why is Marxism considered a conflict approach?

  It focuses on class conflict in society
• How do Marxists view crime in capitalist societies?

  Crime is encouraged by capitalism
• What are the three main elements of Marxism's theory of crime?

  1. Crimogenic capitalism
  2. The state and law making
  3. Ideological functions of crime and law
• What does "crimogenic capitalism" mean?

  Capitalism generates crime through its structure
• Why is crime considered inevitable in capitalism?

  Capitalism exploits the working class, leading to crime
• How does poverty relate to crime in Marxism?

  Poverty may force the working class to commit crime
• What role does advertising play in crime according to Marxists?

  It encourages the working class to steal goods
• How does alienation contribute to crime?

  It leads to frustration and aggression, causing crime
• What types of crimes do the ruling class commit?

  Corporate crimes like tax evasion
• What are utilitarian crimes?

  Crimes motivated by financial gain
• What are non-utilitarian crimes?

  Crimes without apparent financial motive
• How do Marxists view law making and enforcement?

  It serves the interests of the ruling class
• What is the primary function of laws in a capitalist society?

  To protect private property and capitalism
• How do laws appear to protect workers?

  They keep workers loyal to capitalism
• What happens to corporate crimes compared to street crimes?

  Corporate crimes are rarely prosecuted
• How does the punishment of the working class differ from the ruling class?

  Working class faces harsher punishments
• What is a criticism of the Marxist theory of crime?

  It is deterministic and overlooks free will
• How does the Marxist theory explain crime statistics?

  Working classes appear to commit more crime
• What is a limitation of the Marxist view on crime rates in capitalist societies?

  Not all capitalist societies have high crime rates
• What does Marxism suggest about the function of punishment?

  It maintains the existing social order
• How does Functionalism view society?

  As based on a value consensus
• What is socialization according to Functionalists?

  Sharing norms and values of culture
• What is social control in Functionalism?

  Rewards for conformity and punishments for deviance
• Why do Functionalists believe crime is inevitable?

  Different circumstances influence norms and values
• What is normlessness or anomie?

  Weakened rules governing behavior in society
• What does Durkheim say about crime in healthy societies?

  Crime is normal and integral
• What is boundary maintenance in relation to crime?

  Society unites in disapproval of criminals
• How does crime contribute to adaptation and change?

  It allows new ideas to challenge norms
• What does Davis suggest about deviance?

  It acts as a safety valve for society
• How does Cohen view crime as a warning device?

  It indicates problems needing change
• What does Durkheim say about too little crime?

  It signals repression and control in society
• What is Merton's Strain Theory?

  Deviance occurs from strain between goals and means
• How does Merton relate the American Dream to crime?

  Disadvantaged groups face barriers to success
• What are the key mechanisms Functionalists believe promote social solidarity?

  • Socialisation
  • Social control