Marxism and Neo-Marxism

• What does Bonger argue about capitalist society?

  It is criminogenic.
• Why does Bonger believe crime is a natural outcome of capitalism?

  Due to greed, inequality, and competition.
• What types of crime are associated with the working class according to Bonger?

  Theft and vandalism due to poverty.
• What types of crime are associated with the upper class according to Bonger?

  Corporate and white-collar crime.
• How do laws reflect ruling-class interests?

  Laws protect private property of the ruling class.
• What types of crimes are considered serious according to Marxist theory?

  Working-class crimes like theft and violence.
• How are corporate crimes treated compared to working-class crimes?

  Corporate crimes are ignored or under-enforced.
• What does Chambliss (1975) argue about laws?

  Laws serve the selective interests of the ruling class.
• What does Snider (1991) suggest about law creation?

  It benefits the ruling class.
• What does Box (1983) say about 'serious crimes'?

  They are socially constructed and discriminate against the WC.
• How does Chambliss (1975) describe the judicial system?

  It is biased towards the ruling class.
• What does Pearce (1976) say about 'the crimes of the powerful'?

  They are the worst crimes of all.
• What is the general approach of Neo-Marxist theories?

  They reject traditional Marxist determinism.
• How do Neo-Marxists view crime?

  As a voluntary act and often political resistance.
• How are working-class criminals sometimes viewed in Neo-Marxist theory?

  As Robin Hood figures.
• What does Gilroy (1982) argue about Black crime?

  It is a form of resistance to racism.
• What is the New Criminology Approach proposed by Taylor, Walton & Young (1973)?

  It combines Marxism and Interactionism.
• What are the six dimensions of the Full Social Theory of Deviance?

  1. Wider social origins (Capitalism, Inequality)
  2. Immediate origins (specific situation)
  3. Meaning of act (Political?)
  4. Immediate origins of societal reaction (police/media)
  5. Wider origins of societal reaction (power structure behind labeling)
  6. Outcomes of societal reaction (labeling -> deviance)
• What does Hall et al. (1978) study about Black mugging panic reveal?

  Media exaggeration created moral panic.
• How did the media's portrayal of Black mugging affect society according to Hall et al.?

  It diverted attention from the economic crisis.
• What are some critiques of Marxist and Neo-Marxist views on crime and deviance?

  • Overemphasizes property crime, neglects others.
  • Overemphasizes class inequality, ignores ethnicity/gender.
  • Feminist critique: focuses on male criminality.
  • Traditional Marxism's determinism.
  • Claims law benefits workers.
  • Left Realists argue crime harms WC most.
• What is the nature of capitalism according to Marxist theories?

  Capitalism is criminogenic by nature
• How does capitalism lead to crime according to Marxist theories?

  It causes exploitation of the working class
• What is the effect of the gap between the rich and poor in capitalism?

  It leads the poor to illegitimate means
• What can the frustration from exploitation lead to?

  It can lead to violence
• What does selective law enforcement mean?

  Different social groups are treated differently
• Who is often criminalized according to selective law enforcement?

  The working class and ethnic minorities
• What does selective law making imply about laws?

  Laws benefit the rich and powerful
• What does Box argue about the rich and their activities?

  They engage in harmful activities protected by law
• What is the ideological function of crime according to Marxist theories?

  To justify social control by the ruling class
• How does the media portray criminals according to Marxist theories?

  As 'disturbed' individuals
• What does Bonger suggest about crime in relation to capitalism?

  Crime is a rational reaction to capitalism
• According to Reiman (2000), who is more likely to commit crime?

  The ruling class is more likely to commit crime
• How does Reiman describe the treatment of crimes committed by the ruling class?

  They are less likely to be treated as criminal
• What does Chambliss argue about the law?

  The law protects the rich and powerful
• What does Snider say about government reluctance?

  Governments avoid regulating businesses
• What does Pearce argue about laws that appear to benefit the working class?

  They ultimately benefit the ruling class
• What is the outcome of the 2007 Corporate Homicide Law?

  Only 1 successful prosecution in 8 years
• What are the criticisms of Marxist theories of crime?

  • Ignores other causes of crime
  • Romanticizes criminals and the working class
  • Assumes crime is only a symptom of oppression
  • Fails to consider victims of crime
  • Lawmakers are elected in modern democracies
• What does Harriss argue about Marxist theories?

  They ignore gender and ethnicity inequalities