Marxist Perspective

• Marx 'Alienation'


  The wc are isolated and dehumanised by capitalism. They lack freedom and power, leading them to resort to crime.
• Althusser


  The Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) and Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) both control the proletariat. The ISA acts as a deterrent, it also divides and helps justify the need for the RSA
• Bonger


  Capitalism is criminogenic, crime is caused by capitalism. The maximisation of profit encourages competition, greed and exploitation, which often leads to law breaking. This is because a strong value is placed on money leading even the bourgeoisie into crime
• Bonger on Poverty


  Recognised that most crime is caused by poverty. This is because those in poorer conditions struggle to find resources and resort to crime. E.g. due to cost of living crisis shoplifting increased by 25%
• Gordon


  Argued capitalism is criminogenic (it creates poverty, inequality, unemployment) can be seen in food banks being a normal fact of life, crime is a rational response to capitalism and white collar crime is often ignored. He also added the government focus is on 'urban' or violent crimes rather than white collar
• Chambliss


  'Saints' was a label given to mc boys, they were able to get away with more crimes as a result of this. 'Roughnecks' was the label given to wc boys who were stopped by police more frequently and arrested more often
• Snider


  Suggested that laws regulate big buisnesses affect profitability and therefore aren't passed by the state. When these laws are passed they are not enforced. Therefore, laws appearing to protect the wc are 'for show'. E.g. Grenfell tower
• Box


  Crime is used to manipulate and control society. Society is made to believe crime is on the increase to justify police power, surveillance and punishment. Official statistics are used to manipulate the truth - crime is a social construct.
• Spitzer (NM) Selective law enforcement


  The law is not enforced equally. The uc are less likely to be prosecuted and treated with lenience. Police focus more on the wc. It is also unequal in the judicial system where lawyers are more affordable for mc not wc. E.g. Mr Loophole a lawyer wc can't afford