Critical Criminology

What does Chambliss (1976) say about capitalism and crime?

"The greed, self-interest and hostility generated by the capitalist system motivate many crimes at all levels of society."

According to Chambliss, who benefits from the operation of criminal law?

The ruling class, as the law protects their interests.

What does it mean when Marxists say laws are based on the dominant hegemony?

Laws reflect ruling-class ideology spread through institutions like religion, education, and the mass media.

What does Gordon (1976) argue about the criminal justice system (CJS)?

It protects ruling-class interests by labelling the working class as social failures and imprisoning those who oppose the system.

Who do the police and criminal justice system primarily punish according to Gordon (1976)?

The working class, not the ruling class.

According to traditional Marxists, what drives people without material wealth to commit crime?

The exploitative and unequal nature of capitalism.

How do the ruling class divert attention away from capitalist exploitation?

By focusing on the frightening nature of crime, justifying more policing of working-class areas.

Which theorists argue that the police focus mainly on working-class communities?

Scraton (1985) and Reiner (1997).

How does Hall et al.’s work link to traditional Marxist ideas?

It shows how moral panics and heavy policing distract from capitalist inequalities.

What is white collar crime?

Crime committed by people in higher social positions, often involving financial or corporate wrongdoing.

Why is corporate crime seen as more harmful than street crime?

Because it costs society far more money and can cause greater social harm.

Why is corporate crime less punished than street crime?

Because detection rates are low and penalties are often minor.

What did Tombs and Whyte (2003) say about media coverage of corporate crime?

The media frame corporate crime as accidents or scandals rather than deliberate wrongdoing.

What did Pearce (1976) argue about law creation and the ruling class?

Laws are created and reinforced by the ruling class, who have close ties to big business.

What did Braithwaite (2000) argue about regulation in business and finance?

Business and finance are governed more by regulation than policing, allowing offenders to avoid severe punishment.

What did Snider (1993) find about business punishment?

Most businesses receive fines rather than prison sentences.

According to Pourtney, what is the third major type of white-collar crime?

State crime.

What do Marxists mean by “state crime”?

Crimes committed by governments or state officials, often to maintain power or control.

What does the New Criminology focus on?

The broader social and economic problems created by capitalism.

According to the New Criminology, what is the purpose of the CJS?

To serve the needs and interests of the ruling class.

According to the New Criminology, why do people commit crime?

They express frustration with capitalism through crime rather than political action.