Marxist and Neo-Marxist Theories on Crime
29 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary argument of Hall et al. in their study 'Policing the Crisis' regarding the portrayal of crime in the media?

  • The media exaggerated the crime rates to reflect social issues. (correct)
  • Young white men were portrayed as the main perpetrators of crime.
  • Crime rates were decreasing during that time.
  • Mugging was a new form of crime that required immediate attention.

According to Chambliss, what role does capitalism play in society concerning crime?

  • It provides economic stability, reducing the likelihood of crime.
  • It creates a fair and equal society that discourages crime.
  • It solely benefits the wealthy, exacerbating social inequalities.
  • It promotes competitive values that can lead to criminal behavior. (correct)

What term does Chambliss use to describe the values promoted by capitalism that may lead to crime?

  • Social disruption values
  • Criminogenic values (correct)
  • Criminal sociology
  • Interactionist values

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the moral panic created by media, as suggested by Hall et al.?

<p>A reduction in the actual crime rates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the interactionist perspective, when combined with Marxism, help to explain in radical criminology?

<p>The influence of media on public perception of crime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the Panama Papers and the Paradise Papers primarily reveal about the wealthy?

<p>Massive tax avoidance through offshore accounts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to David Gordon, what is a significant aspect of the selective enforcement of the law?

<p>Crimes of the ruling class are seen as insignificant (A), Working class individuals face harsher punishments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the individualization of blame for criminal activities affect the perception of capitalism?

<p>It shifts focus away from systemic issues towards individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gordon believe that occasional prosecutions of the ruling class are carried out?

<p>To reinforce the illusion of law benefiting society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Neo-Marxism emphasize compared to traditional Marxism?

<p>Increased focus on cultural influences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to define those from the working class who are individually punished for crimes under capitalism?

<p>Social failures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of addressing the problems faced by those who break the law?

<p>A questioning of the capitalist system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What justification is given for the incarceration of individuals labeled as criminals in this framework?

<p>To protect society from threats (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists believe should be focused on instead of benefit fraud?

<p>Tax evasion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime is specifically highlighted as being committed by businesses?

<p>Corporate crime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Snider, how do the upper and middle classes handle crime in comparison to lower classes?

<p>They typically pay back the money rather than facing charges. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What example is provided of corporate crime related to emissions testing?

<p>VW cheating on emissions tests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists argue is the origin of all crime?

<p>The capitalist system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated cost of tax evasion according to the National Fraud Authority in 2008?

<p>£15bn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Snider indicate about the legal status of tax avoidance?

<p>It should be criminalized but currently is not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lauren Snider, what type of crime does criminology primarily focus on?

<p>Street crimes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists believe the ruling class achieves through the construction of laws?

<p>Control and punishment of the working class (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the gas leak incident in Bhopal, India?

<p>Thousands of locals were killed, yet no one was imprisoned. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Marxists view the function of societal structures such as the family and education?

<p>They impose the values of the bourgeoisie. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a key factor in determining what is seen as criminal?

<p>The interests of the bourgeoisie (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of white-collar crime according to the content?

<p>It is committed by professionals during their employment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the dominant ideology according to Snider?

<p>It favors powerful individuals and distracts from their crimes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the Marxist view of law enforcement?

<p>It is selective and favors the bourgeoisie. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the societal structure viewed by traditional Marxists compared to functionalists?

<p>As a control mechanism imposed by the ruling class. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bourgeoisie

A group of wealthy people who own and control the means of production in a capitalist society. They benefit from the capitalist system and use their power to maintain their position.

Working Class

A social class made up of workers who sell their labor for wages in a capitalist system. They are exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Dominant Ideology

A set of beliefs, values, and practices that are dominant within society and support the interests of the ruling class.

Construction of Laws

The process of creating laws that serve the interests of the ruling class and maintain their control over society.

Signup and view all the flashcards

White-Collar Crime

Crimes committed by individuals in positions of power, typically for personal gain. Often associated with financial fraud, corruption, and abuse of authority.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Corporate Crime

Corporate crime, where the company itself breaks the law, and those involved are acting on behalf of the company, rather than for their own gain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Taxpayers' Money

Money collected from citizens through taxes to fund public services.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Structuralism

A theory that focuses on the large-scale structures and institutions of society, such as family, media, education, etc.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral panic

A situation where the media creates widespread fear and anxiety about a particular issue, often exaggerating the problem and blaming a specific group of people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Radical Criminology

Criminology that draws upon Marxist ideas and interactionist theories to explain how crime is created and used by those in power.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policing the Crisis

A study by Hall et al. that looked at how media coverage of mugging in the 1970s contributed to a moral panic about crime and black youth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Criminogenic

A set of values or beliefs that encourages criminal behavior. In this context, it refers to the values associated with capitalism, such as individualism, competition, and consumerism, that can lead to crime.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Capitalism promotes crime

A theory by Chambliss arguing that capitalist societies are inherently criminogenic, meaning they create the conditions that foster crime due to their emphasis on individual success and material wealth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tax Avoidance

Actions taken by individuals or corporations to legally reduce their tax liability, sometimes considered ethically questionable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Marxist Perspective on Crime

A sociological approach focusing on the power dynamics between social classes and how these dynamics influence criminal justice systems and the definition of crime.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Environmental Crime

Crimes committed by individuals or corporations that result in harm to the environment, often through pollution, deforestation, or other harmful activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Corporate Fraud

Criminal acts conducted by private individuals or corporations for the purpose of gaining financial advantage or avoiding financial losses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Benefit Fraud

The act of claiming benefits or public funds that one is not entitled to.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sociological Perspective on Crime

Analyzing criminal behavior by considering how social structures like class, power, and institutions directly influence crime rates, criminalization, and punishment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Selective Enforcement of the Law

The practice of applying laws unevenly, with the ruling class rarely facing consequences for crimes while the working class is frequently prosecuted.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neo-Marxism

A theory that emphasizes the role of culture and media in shaping the capitalist system. It argues that capitalism, while central, is heavily influenced by cultural forces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neo-Marxist Criminology

The theory that the law is designed to benefit the ruling class, and that the working class is targeted by the criminal justice system to maintain the status quo.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Failure Theory

A theory arguing that individuals who commit crimes are labeled as "social failures" and blamed for their actions, effectively diverting attention from systemic problems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Criminalization of Individuals

The strategy of portraying individuals as "animals" or "misfits" to justify their imprisonment and remove them from public view.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wealth and Power

The wealthy and powerful use their influence to protect their assets and exploit the system for financial gain, often engaging in illegal or unethical practices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Panama Papers and Paradise Papers

These reports revealed significant tax avoidance by wealthy individuals, including public figures, highlighting the extent of financial secrecy and inequality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Marxist and Neo-Marxist Explanations of Crime

  • Marxist criminologists argue that crime stems from the unequal power structures within capitalist systems. The ruling class (bourgeoisie) benefits from laws that protect their interests, while the working class (proletariat) is disproportionately punished.
  • Marx himself wrote little on crime, but writers like Snider (1993) and Gordon (1976) expanded on the idea.
  • Snider argues that criminology focuses on 'street crime' while ignoring 'white-collar' and 'corporate' crime committed by the powerful. She believes this is a deliberate distortion to deflect attention from the crimes of the bourgeoisie.
  • White-collar crime involves crimes committed by professionals in their line of work, like stealing or making false expense claims.
  • Powerful figures like MPs have been caught engaging in white-collar crime; for example, falsely claiming expenses.
  • Neo-Marxists place greater emphasis on culture and media in shaping perceptions and responses to crime.
  • A radical criminological perspective connects Marxist views with interactionism.
  • Hall et al. suggest that "moral panics" like the perceived crime wave of mugging in the 1970s diverted attention from larger economic problems. This illustrates how media portrayals can influence perceived crime rates and public responses.
  • Neo-Marxists see that crimes are committed for various reasons, not just capitalist ones.
  • Chambliss argues that capitalism promotes values (individualism, competition, consumerism), which can lead to criminal behaviour, calling them "criminogenic."
  • Criticisms of Marxist theories include the argument that non-capitalist societies experience crime, suggesting capitalism isn't the sole cause. Also, critics argue that Marxist theories don't adequately explain why members of the ruling class engage in crime when their social position doesn't appear to require it.
  • Functionalists criticize Marxist assumptions about crime, arguing that crime benefits capitalism. They suggest that crime is a necessary part of society because it reflects the value consensus, defining acceptable and unacceptable norms.
  • Selective enforcement is central to Marxist theories of crime. This critique suggests that laws are unevenly enforced, meaning the rich and powerful escape prosecution while the poor are targeted.
  • Marxist viewpoints challenge the validity of official crime statistics, arguing these are produced by and for the ruling class, representing an overstatement of working-class crime.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Marxist & Neo-Marxist Crime Explanations PDF

Description

Explore the insights of Marxist and Neo-Marxist criminology, focusing on how crime is influenced by capitalist power structures. This quiz examines the concepts of white-collar crime, the role of the bourgeoisie in law-making, and the cultural perspectives on crime. Dive into the arguments presented by Snider and Gordon to understand the broader implications of crime in society.

More Like This

The Marxian Impact on Criminology
3 questions

The Marxian Impact on Criminology

DistinctiveClearQuartz avatar
DistinctiveClearQuartz
Marxist Theory Quiz
5 questions

Marxist Theory Quiz

HumourousQuartz avatar
HumourousQuartz
Marxist Theory of Social Class
19 questions

Marxist Theory of Social Class

StatelyComposite avatar
StatelyComposite
Criminological Theories Overview
48 questions

Criminological Theories Overview

EminentProsperity avatar
EminentProsperity
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser