Marxist and Neo-Marxist Theories on Crime

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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.?

A reduction in the actual crime rates. Signup and view all the answers

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

The influence of media on public perception of crime. Signup and view all the answers

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

Massive tax avoidance through offshore accounts Signup and view all the answers

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

Crimes of the ruling class are seen as insignificant Signup and view all the answers

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

It shifts focus away from systemic issues towards individuals Signup and view all the answers

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

To reinforce the illusion of law benefiting society Signup and view all the answers

What does Neo-Marxism emphasize compared to traditional Marxism?

Increased focus on cultural influences 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?

Social failures Signup and view all the answers

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

A questioning of the capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

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

To protect society from threats Signup and view all the answers

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

Tax evasion Signup and view all the answers

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

Corporate crime Signup and view all the answers

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

They typically pay back the money rather than facing charges. Signup and view all the answers

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

VW cheating on emissions tests Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists argue is the origin of all crime?

The capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

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

£15bn Signup and view all the answers

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

It should be criminalized but currently is not. Signup and view all the answers

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

Street crimes Signup and view all the answers

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

Control and punishment of the working class Signup and view all the answers

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

Thousands of locals were killed, yet no one was imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

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

They impose the values of the bourgeoisie. Signup and view all the answers

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

The interests of the bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

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

It is committed by professionals during their employment. Signup and view all the answers

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

It favors powerful individuals and distracts from their crimes. Signup and view all the answers

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

It is selective and favors the bourgeoisie. Signup and view all the answers

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

As a control mechanism imposed by the ruling class. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.