Marxists theory on crime and deviance

Marxism is a conflict structuralist society theory between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, and how these are unequal

Believe a capitalism society should be abolished and a solution to this would be communism or socialism

Althusser- Ideology state apparatus/ Pass on capitalist ideologies into peoples minds through agencies such as the family, education, media

Society is criminogenic

The prevalence of crime and deviance is explained by Marxists as being a result of capitalism which is argued that this encourages competition and greed. The obsessive striving for material gains pressurises people into doing whatever it takes to achieve this goal even if it means breaking the law. Capitalism creates perfect conditions to commit crime.

Gordon- Discussed the selective enforcement of laws and how crime serves to reinforce ruling-class ideology

Ideological Functions of law

Laws serve ideological functions that help maintain dominance of bourgeoisie by reinforcing capitalism

Laws create an illusion of fairness and actually protect the ruling class for example health and safety laws at school or work are really protecting them from being sued. Laws promote the idea that society is based of meritocracy making the proletariat believe they have equal opportunity- Prevents them from rising against the system

Corporate crime and white collar crime is often ignored compared to working class crime

Althusser- Ideological state apparatus

Chambliss- Argued that laws are created and enforced in a way that protect the interest of the powerful why criminalizing the poor

Selective law enforcement

The WC is more likely to be criminalised and targeted by law enforcement

Crimes of the powerful are underreported and underpunished- Tax evasion, corporate negligence

Crimes committed by businesses/ Environmental, worker exploitation are often overlooked

Snider- Capitalist states are reluctant to pass laws that regulate businesses or threaten profitability

Hegemony and Mystification

The media and institutions obscure the real causes of crime (Capitalism), directing attention to individual failings

Divides the working class and prevents revolutionary action

Institutions like the media, education, religion and law promote capitalist ideology

Working class is lead to believe capitalism is fair

Engels- Argued state and legal system create an illusion of justice while protecting the bourgeoise

Weaknesses

  1. Overemphasis on class at the extreme of other factors like gender and ethnicity

  2. Ignores non-capitalist societies where crime also occurs

  3. Romanticizes working-class criminals as rebels ignoring victims of crime

  4. Neglects the role of agency and choice in criminal behaviour