Criminological Theories Overview

Focuses on power and inequality, particularly class-based wealth distribution, to understand crime. It examines crimes of the powerful (economic and state) and crimes of the less powerful (economic and socio-cultural).

Institutionalized inequality, exploitation, alienation of marginalized groups, and the criminalization of the working class are the underlying causes of crime, arising from societal structures.

(Marxist view) Motivations for crime are either due to maximizing profits (powerful) or subsistence needs (less powerful).

Challenging state oppression, exposing harms caused by the powerful, and supporting working-class interests, in place of punishing the less powerful.

Radical democracy, collective ownership of resources, and redistribution based on need are needed to prevent crime at its root causes.

Improving justice system transparency, accountability, protecting human rights, and reforming laws to align with the working class are needed for a fair system.

Contrast with Marxist theories, these conflict theories focus on specific, isolated instances of conflict without delving into deep, societal structures.

The idea that societies strive for consensus and shared values, and that deviations are viewed as disturbances to society’s equilibrium, demanding a return to order.

Power is concentrated in the hands of a few (capitalist class) who control the means of production and shape society.

The state, including institutions like the criminal justice system, is not neutral but serves the interests of the capitalist class.

Crime is influenced by social forces, specifically capitalism, and is used to maintain the imbalance of power.

The state is a neutral arbiter, mediating between competing groups without favoritism towards any particular class.

Programs designed to help disadvantaged groups, but without challenging the fundamental structures of society.

The group that owns the means of production and controls society.

The resources (factories, land, tools) necessary to make goods.

The conflict between the capitalist class and the working class.

A perspective that examines crime through the lens of economic inequality and class struggles.

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities based on economic factors.

Unequal social standing based on economic and social factors.

The perspective through which people perceive the morality of inequalities and wealth differences.

Crimes committed by people in positions of power or wealth for personal financial gain (or for business advantage).

Crimes typically committed by lower-class individuals, often associated with poverty or lack of opportunity.

A renewed interest in Marxist theories, especially concerning the growing global wealth gap and increasingly concentrated economic power.

Illegal actions committed by those with significant social, economic, or political power, often affecting many people indirectly.

These crimes can have widespread consequences, including financial loss, social disruption, and environmental damage.

Crimes of the powerful are often less visible and more difficult to prosecute due to their complexity and the resources of the perpetrators.

Crimes committed by individuals with limited power, typically involving direct harm to specific victims.

The state's response to crime varies significantly based on the power of the offender. Crimes of the powerful receive less attention and punishment.

The working class is more likely to be apprehended and punished for crimes due to limited resources and lack of power.

Social and economic inequality contribute to crime by creating conditions of poverty, desperation, and limited opportunity.

The state's response to street crime is largely coercive, emphasizing punishment and control, ignoring the underlying social conditions.

Unexpected and often negative impacts of policies aimed at changing social behavior, particularly when criminalization is involved. These consequences can worsen the initial problem rather than improve it.

The core idea is that capitalist exploitation leads to criminal behavior and a disproportionate criminalization of the less powerful in society.

Marxist criminologists argue that the term 'crime' is unusable because it's heavily influenced by capitalist ideology. It's impossible to separate the word's meaning from its capitalist connotations.

The goal should be to identify those harmed the most by social issues and create policies that reduce harm without resorting to criminalization.

A critique of some Marxist writings that portray criminals as heroic figures fighting against the system. This viewpoint underestimates the actual harm caused by criminal acts, especially to the most vulnerable.

Some critics argue that Marxist analyses suggest a direct, conspiratorial control of the police by the ruling class. This overlooks instances where laws are enacted to limit the actions of capitalist corporations.

Marxist criminology is criticized for its simplistic view of the causes of crime, its tendency to romanticize criminals, and its lack of empirical evidence to support its claims.

While both recognize power dynamics, Marxist criminology emphasizes the role of capitalist exploitation in crime causation. Liberal conflict theories focus on specific, isolated conflicts without addressing broader societal structures.

A landmark case in Marxist criminology where Ford Motor Company prioritized profit over safety, demonstrating the ruthless calculus of capitalism and the legal protection often afforded to corporations.

Although its influence within academic criminology declined in the 1980s, Marxist ideas continue to inspire social movements like labor rights, anti-globalization, anti-poverty, social justice, and environmental activism.

Both feminist and Marxist perspectives share a focus on power, the distribution of resources and social inequalities, highlighting how these influence crime and victimization.

Marxist criminology sees the state, including the criminal justice system, as serving the interests of the powerful, perpetuating inequality, and criminalizing actions of the less powerful.

Marxist theory criticizes conventional criminology for overlooking power dynamics linked to class, focusing on individual failings instead of systemic causes of crime. It also argues that theories that address other forms of power, like gender, are still insufficient without examining class.

Marxist criminology calls for a radical transformation of the justice system, focusing on addressing the root causes of crime, challenging inequalities, and ensuring the system is fair and accountable.

These programs aim to help disadvantaged groups but are criticized for neglecting the structural inequalities that lead to their disadvantage, offering temporary solutions instead of fundamental change.

Marxist criminology views crime as a product of the capitalist system, driven by inequalities in power, wealth, and resources. Crime is seen as a consequence of the system, not individual failings.