inequality = structural theory = unequal structure of capitalist societyshapes behaviour including criminality
two classes = society is divided into bourgeoise and proletariat
societies institutions = all institutions including the law and criminal justice system work to support capitalism and keep working class in their place
capitalism causes crime:
exploitation = crime is only way for working class to survive as they live in poverty
consumerism = advertising pressures people into utilitariancrimes to get goods
alienation and frustration = inequality causes people too lash out and commit non utilitarian crimes
greed and profit motive = capitalism is a dog eat dog system and encouragescorporatecrimes to gain an advantage
making and enforcing the law:
Chambliss = laws are made to protectrich and wealthy
selective law enforcement = white collar and corporate crimes of rich are less likely to be prosecuted than working class
CARSON = out of 200 companies who had broken safety laws only 3 were prosecuted
Ideological functions of crime and law:
ideology = ideology that concealinequality of capitalism
selective enforcement = divides working class by making them blame eachother instead of capitalism for problems they face in society
diverts attention = nobody focuses on much more seriousrulingclasscrimes
a caring face = laws that benefit working class such as health and safety laws. However it actually benefitscapitalism and makes them seem caring
strengths of Marxism:
shows how law making and enforcement is bias against workingclass and actually in favour of rulingclass
shows how poverty can cause working class crime and how capitalismpromotes greed and encourages ruling classcrime too
limitations of Marxism :
over predicts the amount of working classcrime
focuses on class and not other factors that relate tocrime such as gender or race
not all capitalist societies have high crime rates. However, Marxists point out that in countries with little welfareprovision like theUSA, the crime rates are higher
utilitarian crime = crimes used for financial gain