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Questions and Answers
What is the primary means to control people's behavior for long-term effectiveness?
What is the primary means to control people's behavior for long-term effectiveness?
What is a negative consequence of using force as a means of control?
What is a negative consequence of using force as a means of control?
How do legal systems in capitalist societies develop according to the content?
How do legal systems in capitalist societies develop according to the content?
Which factor is essential for maintaining social stability in capitalist production?
Which factor is essential for maintaining social stability in capitalist production?
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What role does ideology play in the socialisation process within capitalist societies?
What role does ideology play in the socialisation process within capitalist societies?
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What is a key aspect of socialisation that impacts employment relationships?
What is a key aspect of socialisation that impacts employment relationships?
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In the context of classroom behavior, what is considered a more effective approach to encourage learning?
In the context of classroom behavior, what is considered a more effective approach to encourage learning?
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What is a fundamental need for maintaining orderly social relationships?
What is a fundamental need for maintaining orderly social relationships?
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What do superstructural relationships ultimately depend on?
What do superstructural relationships ultimately depend on?
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According to Marxists, what is the nature of political relationships in a society with unequal economic relationships?
According to Marxists, what is the nature of political relationships in a society with unequal economic relationships?
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Which of the following is an example of how laws are influenced by the bourgeoisie?
Which of the following is an example of how laws are influenced by the bourgeoisie?
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How does the ideology of the ruling class function in society?
How does the ideology of the ruling class function in society?
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What is the term used to describe the process through which the bourgeoisie maintains its dominance across all institutions?
What is the term used to describe the process through which the bourgeoisie maintains its dominance across all institutions?
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How do social institutions relate to economic production according to Marxist perspectives?
How do social institutions relate to economic production according to Marxist perspectives?
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What is the primary source of power struggle identified in the content?
What is the primary source of power struggle identified in the content?
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Which statement best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and deviance?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and deviance?
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What does the content suggest about the nature of social order?
What does the content suggest about the nature of social order?
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In the Marxist perspective, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the political relationships instantiated by the bourgeoisie?
In the Marxist perspective, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the political relationships instantiated by the bourgeoisie?
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What impact do superstructural relationships have on society according to a Marxist framework?
What impact do superstructural relationships have on society according to a Marxist framework?
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What role do subordinate classes play according to the content?
What role do subordinate classes play according to the content?
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What must the ruling class do to maintain their hegemony according to Marxist theory?
What must the ruling class do to maintain their hegemony according to Marxist theory?
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Which of the following best describes the approach of the working class in the context provided?
Which of the following best describes the approach of the working class in the context provided?
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What does the phrase 'delivering the economic goods' imply about the ruling class?
What does the phrase 'delivering the economic goods' imply about the ruling class?
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In the context of Marxist perspectives, how is the community's social life perceived?
In the context of Marxist perspectives, how is the community's social life perceived?
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What do structural imperatives require for the maintenance of capitalism?
What do structural imperatives require for the maintenance of capitalism?
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How are the activities of the powerless treated compared to the powerful in law enforcement?
How are the activities of the powerless treated compared to the powerful in law enforcement?
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Which of the following actions is more likely to be enforced in law enforcement?
Which of the following actions is more likely to be enforced in law enforcement?
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What key concept does orthodox Marxism emphasize in relation to law?
What key concept does orthodox Marxism emphasize in relation to law?
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What is one of the main components of social control as described in orthodox Marxism?
What is one of the main components of social control as described in orthodox Marxism?
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What characteristic is highlighted as part of social conformity in maintaining social order?
What characteristic is highlighted as part of social conformity in maintaining social order?
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In orthodox Marxism, which sociologist is noted for discussing the relationship between law and crime?
In orthodox Marxism, which sociologist is noted for discussing the relationship between law and crime?
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What factor contributes to the disparity in the treatment of different groups in society by law enforcement?
What factor contributes to the disparity in the treatment of different groups in society by law enforcement?
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What is a key argument made by Marxists regarding greed within capitalism?
What is a key argument made by Marxists regarding greed within capitalism?
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According to the content, what might crime represent for individuals facing structural pressures?
According to the content, what might crime represent for individuals facing structural pressures?
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In Marxist theory, what role does power play in social dynamics?
In Marxist theory, what role does power play in social dynamics?
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What might political deviance signify within a Marxist framework?
What might political deviance signify within a Marxist framework?
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What is the ideological power of those in control according to the content?
What is the ideological power of those in control according to the content?
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What can be a consequence of power residing within a ruling class?
What can be a consequence of power residing within a ruling class?
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Who might be targeted as 'potentially criminal' individuals according to power dynamics?
Who might be targeted as 'potentially criminal' individuals according to power dynamics?
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What could be a reason for an individual's involvement in revolutionary groups?
What could be a reason for an individual's involvement in revolutionary groups?
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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.
