Marxist Theory of Crime and Deviance
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Marxist Theory of Crime and Deviance

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary means to control people's behavior for long-term effectiveness?

  • By using socialisation (correct)
  • By force and intimidation
  • By limiting their financial resources
  • By imposing strict regulations

    • What is a negative consequence of using force as a means of control?

  • It leads to immediate cooperation
  • It encourages loyalty among the subjects
  • It creates resistance and conflict (correct)
  • It fosters compliance with the law

    • How do legal systems in capitalist societies develop according to the content?

  • Through equal distribution of resources
  • As a result of cultural traditions
  • Out of inequalities of power (correct)
  • From a unifying ideology of all societal classes

    • Which factor is essential for maintaining social stability in capitalist production?

    <p>Some form of overall social stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does ideology play in the socialisation process within capitalist societies?

    <p>It reinforces the dominant class's values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key aspect of socialisation that impacts employment relationships?

    <p>Providing increased wages and benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of classroom behavior, what is considered a more effective approach to encourage learning?

    <p>Promoting a sense of personal benefit in learning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental need for maintaining orderly social relationships?

    <p>Creating laws that govern personal agreements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do superstructural relationships ultimately depend on?

    <p>The economic base of society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Marxists, what is the nature of political relationships in a society with unequal economic relationships?

    <p>They mirror the economic disparities present in the society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of how laws are influenced by the bourgeoisie?

    <p>Laws governing property rights and contracts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the ideology of the ruling class function in society?

    <p>It acts as the dominant ideology, marginalizing alternatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the process through which the bourgeoisie maintains its dominance across all institutions?

    <p>Hegemony</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do social institutions relate to economic production according to Marxist perspectives?

    <p>They all aim to support and service economic production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of power struggle identified in the content?

    <p>The tension between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and deviance?

    <p>Laws against deviance reflect the interests of the bourgeoisie.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the content suggest about the nature of social order?

    <p>It is constantly being challenged and reproduced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Marxist perspective, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the political relationships instantiated by the bourgeoisie?

    <p>They advocate for labor's rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do superstructural relationships have on society according to a Marxist framework?

    <p>They reinforce and reflect existing economic inequalities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do subordinate classes play according to the content?

    <p>They actively pursue their own interests and power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must the ruling class do to maintain their hegemony according to Marxist theory?

    <p>Continually reproduce capitalist economic production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the approach of the working class in the context provided?

    <p>They are advocating for a greater share of power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'delivering the economic goods' imply about the ruling class?

    <p>They need to sustain capitalist economic practices to keep control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Marxist perspectives, how is the community's social life perceived?

    <p>It is dominated by the interests of the ruling class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do structural imperatives require for the maintenance of capitalism?

    <p>Contract laws and laws relating to private property</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the activities of the powerless treated compared to the powerful in law enforcement?

    <p>The activities of the powerless are scrutinized more closely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions is more likely to be enforced in law enforcement?

    <p>Highly visible forms of violent crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key concept does orthodox Marxism emphasize in relation to law?

    <p>Law as an enforcement of the economically powerful's interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main components of social control as described in orthodox Marxism?

    <p>Ideological manipulation of the powerless</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is highlighted as part of social conformity in maintaining social order?

    <p>Ideological frameworks that downplay class struggle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In orthodox Marxism, which sociologist is noted for discussing the relationship between law and crime?

    <p>Karl Marx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributes to the disparity in the treatment of different groups in society by law enforcement?

    <p>Social class and race intersections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key argument made by Marxists regarding greed within capitalism?

    <p>Greed is inherent in the structure of capitalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what might crime represent for individuals facing structural pressures?

    <p>A reaction to social deprivation and unemployment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Marxist theory, what role does power play in social dynamics?

    <p>It determines one's position relative to the means of production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might political deviance signify within a Marxist framework?

    <p>A challenge to bourgeois hegemony.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ideological power of those in control according to the content?

    <p>It enables them to maintain a facade of equality and democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of power residing within a ruling class?

    <p>It may allow the ruling class to define criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who might be targeted as 'potentially criminal' individuals according to power dynamics?

    <p>Socially marginalized groups such as young working-class males.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a reason for an individual's involvement in revolutionary groups?

    <p>A belief in the necessity of radical change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Marxist Theory of Crime and Deviance

    • Superstructure refers to the non-economic institutions, like politics or ideology, which are influenced by the economic base (mode of production).
    • The economic base dominates and shapes the superstructure, meaning that inequality in the economic sphere will be reflected in other social spheres.
    • Dominant ideology is the set of beliefs and values that benefit the ruling class, often promoted through institutions like media, education, law enforcement and family.
    • Bourgeoisie are the dominant class who own the means of production.
    • Proletariat are the working class who lack ownership of the means of production.
    • Laws are created to safeguard the interests of the bourgeoisie and ensure the smooth running of capitalist production.
    • Social control is exercised through socialization and force, which promotes capitalist ideology and suppresses dissent.
    • Socialization is seen as the effective long-term means of controlling behavior, as individuals internalize capitalist values.
    • Force is employed in the short term to maintain order, but it often leads to conflict.

    Marxist Critique of Law

    • Law is viewed as a tool of the ruling class used to legitimize their dominance and maintain their interests.
    • Capitalist legal systems are designed to appear just and impartial, but they ultimately serve to reinforce existing power structures.
    • Social order is maintained through a system of social control, including laws, that ensure the perpetuation of capitalist relations.

    Key Points of Marxist Theory

    • Karl Marx, Paul Hirst and Richard Quinney are prominent sociologists who contributed to Marxist theory of crime.
    • Ideology, power and economic ownership of the means of production are key concepts.
    • Social order is maintained through ideological manipulation, rule of law, and force.
    • Social control relies on socialization to instill capitalist values and force to suppress dissent.
    • Social conformity is achieved through the creation of ideological frameworks that legitimize capitalism and stifle class conflict.
    • Non-conformity can arise as a response to structural pressures like poverty, unemployment, and deprivation.
    • Political deviance may result from an attempt to challenge bourgeois hegemony and promote radical change.
    • Power is key to understanding social relations, as it enables the ruling class to define crime, enforce laws, and create scapegoats to deflect criticism.

    Marxist Explanations for Crime

    • Crime can be a response to structural pressures, such as unfair economic systems and inequality.
    • Crime can also be a rational response to blocked opportunities, as individuals may resort to illegal means to achieve desired goals (similar to Merton's concept of anomie).
    • Political deviance can be seen as an attempt to challenge capitalist exploitation and strive for greater social justice.

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    Description

    Explore the foundations of Marxist theory as it relates to crime and deviance. This quiz will help you understand concepts like superstructure, dominant ideology, and the roles of the bourgeoisie and proletariat in shaping societal values and laws. Dive into how economic inequalities influence social control mechanisms.

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