Marxism

• Conflict theory

  States that society is in conflict with each other between rich and poor
• Communism

  Creates a fairer society according to Marxism
• Capitalism

  Based on private ownership and produces inequality
• Working class

  Has the power to change things
• Radical change

  Can only come through revolution
• Bourgeoise


  The ruling class which is made up of the capitalists, the owners of means of production (factories and land)
• Proletariat


  The working class whose members are exploited by the ruling class, in order for them to make a profit
• what Marxism states -

  Capitalist society (based on money and private ownership of property) is the cause of crime
• The ruling class own the factories/farms and control means of production
• The working class are the majority of working class who only have the ability to work
• The capitalist society is set up in the interest of the ruling class (including police, government, schools, prison and media) and the working class are exploited and oppressed
• People at the top try to control the masses and maintain status quo
• Inequality in society

  • People living In poverty with little hope of change may try to break the law to survive
  • They might also feel really frustrated and left out so commit crimes
  • Inequality causes feelings of alienation and frustration resulting in non-utilitarian crimes (violence and vandalism)
• Capitalism pushes consumerism

  It convinces us we NEED material goods. This can be done by influencers
• White collar crime

  Can get away with it as it easily goes under the radar
• Marxists believe that law making and enforcement serve in the interests of the capitalist society
• William Chamberlin argues that the laws are made to protect the private property of the rich
• There are no laws against the rich owning several houses
• Very few laws challenge the unequal distribution of wealth
• Poorer working class are treated differently

  • The police treat the working class differently as they have typification's
  • They use stop and search