Sociology of Crime: Marxism to Postmodernism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary motivation for crimes committed by the bourgeoisie according to Marxism?

Acts of resistance to oppression
Social inequality and protest
Desire to maintain power and greed (correct)
Social acceptance and reputation

How does neo-Marxism differ from traditional Marxism in its understanding of criminal behavior?

It suggests that crime is completely random and erratic.
It solely blames capitalism for criminal actions.
It acknowledges the role of individual choice within social structures. (correct)
It emphasizes inherent criminal tendencies of individuals.

According to postmodernist theories, how is crime viewed in relation to societal norms?

As universally recognized violations of law
As a product of biological impulses
As dictated by governmental authority exclusively
As subjective and defined by social groups (correct)

What aspect of crime does postmodernism focus on that differs from traditional theories?

<p>The individual motivations and values behind criminal acts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Marxist theory, how are laws perceived in relation to the ruling class?

<p>As protective mechanisms for the ruling class (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Marxist theory of crime

Marxist theory argues that working-class crimes are a form of resistance against injustice, while upper-class crimes are driven by greed and the desire to maintain power.

Neo-Marxist theory of crime

Neo-Marxism views crime as a result of unequal social structures caused by capitalism and political motivations, emphasizing that individuals have choices within these structures.

Postmodernist theory of crime

Postmodernist theory challenges traditional views by seeing crime as fluid and subjective, defined by social groups and their values.

Individualism in postmodernist theory

Postmodernist theory emphasizes individual choices, emotions, and desires as drivers of crime, focusing on individual motivations and values.

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Fluid identities in postmodernist theory

Postmodernism views identities as fluid, constructed by social interactions and experiences, rather than fixed and predetermined.

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Study Notes

Marxism

Marxism argues both classes commit crime, but working-class crimes are resistance to injustice
White-collar crimes by the bourgeoisie are driven by greed and maintaining power
Selective law enforcement: harsher punishments for the working class
Laws protect the ruling class and disguise exploitation

Neo-Marxism

Inspired by Marxism, arguing social structures cause criminal behavior, but individual choice is involved
Crime is a form of resistance to inequality, stemming from class conflict
Individuals commit crime to display a reaction to capitalistic structures
Cohen argues that in capitalist societies, freedom allows individuals to move between classes

Postmodernist Theories

Crime is a social construct, with legal definitions not reflective of all social groups' understandings of acceptability
Postmodernists see criminal behaviors as fluid and subjective based on varying societal values
Crime is an individual act, driven by choice and feelings
Postmodernism rejects fixed identities and sees identities as fluid