The Marxist perspective views crime as a result of social and economic inequalities. According to Marxists, crime is a product of capitalist society, where the ruling class (bourgeoisie) exploits the working class (proletariat). This leads to feelings of resentment and rebellion among the working class, which can manifest as crime.
David Gordon's Marxist View
David Gordon argues that crime is a result of the contradictions within capitalist society. He claims that the capitalist system creates a culture of poverty and inequality, leading to feelings of frustration and rebellion among the working class, which can manifest as crime.
Chambliss' Marxist View
Chambliss argues that crime is a result of the capitalist system's failure to provide equal opportunities for all. He claims that the working class is forced to engage in illegal activities to survive, as they are unable to achieve their goals through legal means.
Box and Snider's Marxist View
Box and Snider argue that crime is a result of the capitalist system's emphasis on profit over people. They claim that the pursuit of profit leads to the exploitation of the working class, which can manifest as crime. They also argue that the criminal justice system is biased towards the ruling class, and that crime is often used as a means of social control.
marxist explanation of crime- crime is a product of capitalism and the exploitation of the working class
marxist explanation of crime- crime is a response to the lack of opportunity provided by the capitalist system
marxist explanation of crime- crime is a form of resistance against oppression by the bourgeoise
marxist explanation of crime- crime is a way for the proletariat to challenge the power of the bourgeoise
What is the definition of neo-Marxism?
Neo-Marxism is a broad term that refers to Marxist-inspired theories developed in the 20th century, building upon the original ideas of Karl Marx.
What are the key aspects of the neo-Marxist perspective on crime?
- Crime is a product of the capitalist system and class structure.
- Poverty and inequality drive working-class individuals to commit crimes.
- The criminal justice system is used by the ruling class to control lower classes.
- White-collar crimes by the wealthy are often overlooked.
According to neo-Marxists, what drives people to commit crimes?
Poverty and inequality caused by capitalism.
How do neo-Marxists view the criminal justice system?
They view it as a tool used by the ruling class to oppress and control the lower classes.
What is one of the strengths of the neo-Marxist explanation of crime?
It highlights structural causes of crime rather than just individual factors.
What type of crime do neo-Marxists emphasize that is often overlooked?
White-collar crimes committed by the wealthy and powerful.
How does the neo-Marxist view critique the criminal justice system?
It challenges the neutrality and fairness of the criminal justice system.
What empirical evidence supports the neo-Marxist position on crime?
Studies have shown links between poverty, inequality, and higher crime rates.
What is one of the weaknesses of the neo-Marxist view of crime?
It can be seen as overly deterministic, implying people have no free will.
What do critics argue about the ideological bias of the neo-Marxist view?
Critics argue that the neo-Marxist view is overly ideological and fails to consider alternative explanations for crime objectively.