Neo-Marxism – Critical Criminology

NEO-MARXISTS

A group of theorists, including Taylor, Walten, and Young, who blend traditional Marxism with labeling theory to analyze crime and deviance.

The New Criminology (1973)

A significant work by Taylor et al that critiques Marxist and non-Marxist theories and introduces critical criminology.

State and ruling class laws

The concept that the state enforces laws benefiting the ruling class while criminalizing the working class.

Classless society

The idea proposed by Taylor et al that replacing capitalism with a classless society would reduce or eliminate crime.

Critical criminology

An approach that critiques both Marxist and non-Marxist theories to provide a deeper understanding of crime and deviance.

Anti-determinism

The belief that individuals have free will and commit crime as a conscious choice, rather than being driven by deterministic factors.

Voluntaristic view of crime

The perspective that views crime as a meaningful action made by individuals with free will, rather than as a result of external pressures.

Fully social theory of deviance

A comprehensive framework that incorporates Marxism and Interactionism to explain deviant actions and societal reactions.

Hall (1978)

A scholar who applied critical criminology to analyze the moral panic over mugging in the 1970s.

Correctional bias

The assumption within sociology that its role is primarily to correct deviant behavior, which Taylor et al argue against.

Gender blindness

A criticism of critical criminology focusing on its neglect of gender issues within crime analysis.

Left Realists criticism

Argue that critical criminology romanticizes criminals and fails to address crimes against the poor adequately.

Burke (2005) criticism

States that critical criminology is too general and idealistic, making it ineffective for tackling crime.