Marxist theories of Crime and Deviance

Capitalism is criminogenic

Crime is inevitable in Capitalism because crime is criminogenic- by its very nature, it causes crime. Capitalism is based on the exploitation of the w/c- using them as a means to an end (profit). Crime may be the only way they can obtain the consumer goods encouraged by capitalist advertising, resulting in utilitarian crimes such as theft.

What does Gordon say (criminogenic capitalism)?

He argues that crime is a rational response to the capitalist system, and hence it is found in all social classes- even though the official statistics make it appear to be largely a w/c phenomenon. Capitalism is a dog-eat-dog system of ruthless competition among capitalists, while the profit motive encourages a mentality of greed and self-interest.

Selective enforcement

Marxists agree with labelling theorists that although all classes commit crimes when it comes to the application of law by the CJS, there is selective enforcement. While powerless groups such as the w/c and minority ethnic groups are criminalised, the police and courts tend to ignore the crimes of the powerful.

What does Reiman say (selective law enforcement)?

The more likely a crime is to be committed by the u/c, the less likely it is to be treated as an offence. There is a much higher rate of prosecutions for the typical ‘street’ crimes that poor people commit, such as burglary and assault. Crimes committed by the higher classes, like serious tax evasion, the CJS takes a more forgiving view.

Selective law making

Snider argues that the capitalist state is reluctant to pass laws that regulate the activities of businesses or threaten their profitability. The state is thus reluctant to pass laws against such things as pollution and worker health and safety.

The ideological functions of crime

Laws are occasionally passed that appear to be for the benefit of the w/c rather than capitalism, such as workplace health and safety laws.

What does Pearce say (ideological functions of crime)?

He argues that such laws often benefit the ruling class too, for e.g, by keeping workers fit for work. By giving capitalism a ‘caring face’, such laws also create false class consciousness among the workers. The state enforces the law selectively; crime appears to be largely a w/c phenomenon.

Evaluations

• It is too deterministic and over-predicts the amount of crime in the w/c: not all poor people commit crime, despite the pressures of poverty.

• The CJS does sometimes act against the interests of the capitalist class. For example, prosecutions for corporate crime do occur. However, Marxists argue that such occasional prosecutions serve an ideological function, making the system appear impartial.

• Left-realists argue that Marxism ignores intra-class crimes (where both the criminal and victims are w/c), which causes great harm to the victims.