Marxist Theories of Crime

Gordons (????) theory

Gordon (1976) argued that criminogenic capitalism means that crime is inevitable because capitalism creates conditions that make crime more likely. The working class may turn to crime due to poverty, inequality or pressure to consume. Crime may push someone towards theft due to not being able to afford basic goods because they face constant pressure to consume. Even the ruling class may commit white-collar or corporate crime to maintain their position and profit.

Snider (????) theory

Snider (1993) argues that laws are created and enforced to protect the interests of the ruling class, not society as a whole. Laws reflect ruling-class ideology to protect private property, wealth, and profit. For example, harsh sentences for benefit fraud compared to lenient treatment of tax evasion show how laws punish the working class more severely.

Chambliss (????) theory

Chambliss (1979) argued that the CJS selectively enforces laws, focusing mainly on crimes committed by the working class while overlooking or excusing those committed by the powerful. He based his theory on his longitudinal study in Seattle (1979), finding that the police targeted working-class individuals for low-level offences, while systemic white-collar crime went unpunished. This creates the illusion that crime is mainly committed by the poor or ethnic minorities. However, Chambliss’ study is quite dated, so it may no longer apply.

Neocleous

Neocleous argued that the police and the idea of “law and order” help maintain capitalist power and protect the ruling class's interests. For example, the police can control strikes and protests that challenge business interests, maintain social order and protect private property.

Pearce (????)

Pearce (1976) argues that some laws give capitalism a “caring face”, making the system appear fair while inequality continues. This acts as an ideological smokescreen. These laws help to maintain false class consciousness by hiding inequality. They pacify the working class with minor concessions, while the system stays unequal. For example, minimum wage laws give the impression of fairness, yet still allow exploitation.

Althusser

Althusser argues that there are two types of state apparatus. The repressive state apparatus deals directly with ‘disorder’. It does this through the police, courts, and prisons. The ideological state apparatus helps define what counts as crime and promotes obedience, so fewer people challenge capitalism in the first place. They control and manipulate the working class’s consciousness through institutions such as education, the CJS and the media.