Marxist Perspective on Crime and Deviance

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Questions and Answers

According to Marxist theory, how does capitalism contribute to crime?

Capitalism promotes a culture of individual responsibility, leading to a decrease in crime.
Capitalism creates a system where some benefit at the expense of others, fostering resentment and crime. (correct)
Capitalism is inherently crime-free, as it promotes a sense of fairness and opportunity for all.
Capitalism encourages cooperation and shared prosperity, reducing the need for criminal activity.

What is the term used to describe the idea that corporations commit crimes to increase profits or gain an advantage over competitors?

Corporate deviance
White-collar crime
Financial malpractice
Corporate crime (correct)

What do Reiman and Leighton's findings suggest about the American criminal justice system?

The system is completely ineffective in deterring crime, regardless of social class.
The system is designed to protect the interests of the working class, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The system is biased towards the wealthy, providing them with advantages in avoiding conviction. (correct)
The system is impartial and equally punishes individuals regardless of their social class.

What is meant by the phrase 'the rich get richer, the poor get prison'?

The wealthy have better access to legal representation, reducing their chances of imprisonment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the media contribute to the 'mystification of corporate crime' according to Stephen Box?

The media portrays corporate crime as complex and difficult to understand, reducing its perceived severity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of downplaying the seriousness of corporate crime?

De-labeling (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fact that the prison population is overwhelmingly made up of working class men?

This suggests that the criminal justice system selectively targets working class men. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, how does the state contribute to the perpetuation of crime?

The state selectively targets the working class for enforcement, while overlooking corporate crime. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument made by critics of approaches that focus on the criminal and ignore the victim?

They romanticize the working class criminal and fail to consider the impact on victims. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to neo-Marxist theory, how do ruling classes maintain hegemony?

By winning over the working class through ideological conditioning and concessions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key example of a concession provided by ruling classes to the working class, according to neo-Marxist theory?

Laws to protect workers, such as sick pay and unemployment benefits. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'false consciousness' refer to in the context of neo-Marxist theory?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'moral panic' according to the text?

A widespread fear or anxiety about a particular social issue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Stuart Hall's study focus on?

The way the police and criminal justice system target ethnic minorities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the 1970s, how did media and politicians respond to the economic crisis, according to the passage?

They created a moral panic about muggings by young black men. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument made by the passage about the relationship between crime and social class?

Most crime is committed by members of the working class. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxists, what is one of the key purposes of laws in capitalist societies?

To protect private property (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of "non-decision making" in Marxist theory?

The failure of lawmakers to address issues like tax avoidance or excessive executive bonuses (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Laureen Snider argue that corporate crime is more significant than street crime?

Because corporate crime has a greater financial impact (C) Signup and view all the answers

What approach does Neo-Marxism take to the issue of crime?

Combines elements of Marxism and interactionism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do Taylor, Walton, and Young argue in their study The New Criminology?

The working class commits crime to challenge the capitalist system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of "re-structuring society" in the context of Neo-Marxism?

The idea that individuals can change the social order through their actions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "social origins" of a crime according to Neo-Marxists?

They reveal the underlying power dynamics in society. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a law designed to protect the interests of capitalism, according to Marxist theory?

Laws against theft (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Criminogenic capitalism

Capitalism generates crime through competitiveness and conflicts.

Corporate crime

Crimes committed by businesses for profit or advantage.