Marxist theory on crime

What do Marxist argue about criminality

• We live in a unequal society that favours the ruling capitalist class and therefore shapes peoples behaviours.

Why do Marxist think capitalism is criminogenic (causes crime)

• Exploit the working class into poverty - forcing them into crime to survive.

• Capitalism over advertising and over consumption - influence people into theft

• Inequality causes feelings of alienation and frustration resulting in violence and vandalism

• Capitalists causes crime amongst themselves - cooperate crimes/taking advantage of the system.

3 elements Marxist view for crime and law

• Capitalism causes crime

• Law making and enforcing is biased

• Crime and the law performs ideological functions

Chambliss on the law

Laws are made to protect private property of the rich e.g. there are laws against homeless people living in empty houses but not about rich people owning several houses

What do Marxist mean by ideological functions of crime and the law

• They argue the law is only to conceal the idea of inequality and encourage the working class to accept this with selective law enforcements to blame attention of the working class