marxism, class and crime

In what way do Marxists agree with labelling theory?

That the law is enforced disproportionatley against the working class, therefore official, crime statistics cannot be taken at face value

In what way do Marxists criticise labelling theory?

For failing to examin the wider structure of capitalism within which law making, law enforcement and offending take place

Briefly exolain how marxists view capitalist society

As divided into 2 classes: the ruling capitalist class (bourgeoise) who own the means of production, and the working class (proletariat), whose alienated bourgeoise exploit to reduce profit

Explain what is meant by criminogenic

Causes crime by nature

Briefly outline three wats un which capitalism may lead to working class crime

• poverty may mean that crime is the only way working class can survive

• Crime may be the only way they can obtain the consumer goods encouraged by capitalist advertising, causing theft

• Alienation and lack of control over the lives may lead to fustration and aggresion, causing violence

According to Gordon, why is crime found in all social classes in capitalist society?

Crime is a national response to the capitalist system and hence it is found in all social classes- even though the official statistics make kr appear to be a largely working class phenomenon

According to Marxists, whose interests do law making and law enforcement serve?

The interests of the capitalist class

According to Snider, what laws is the state reluctant to pass?

Laws that regulate the actvities of businesses or threaten their profitability

According to Marxists, who is criminalised by the justice system?

Powerless groups such as the working class and minority ethnic groups