Ever wondered why some crimes get more attention than others,...
Criminology774 views·Updated 3 Sept 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Marxism in Criminology - Unit 2 Summary
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Sian Jones@sianjones_bxpl
1
of 2
Marxist Theories of Crime
Marxism examines the ongoing conflict between the bourgeoisie (upper class) and the proletariat (working class) over resources and power. The theory argues that society is fundamentally unequal, with the ruling class using various methods, including the criminal justice system, to maintain their dominance.
The ruling class creates laws and controls how they're enforced, which means they can criminalise activities that threaten their position whilst protecting their own interests. They also control wages and resources, limiting what ordinary people can afford through legitimate means.
Capitalism plays a crucial role in creating crime according to this theory. Companies keep wages low to maximise profits whilst charging high prices for goods and services. When workers can't afford what society tells them they need, some turn to crime as an alternative.
Key Insight: Laws aren't neutral – they're created by those in power to protect their own interests, not to serve everyone equally.
2
of 2
Law Creation and Social Control
Law enforcement tends to focus heavily on working-class areas whilst ignoring corporate crime and white-collar crime committed by the wealthy. This selective enforcement creates the illusion that crime is primarily a working-class problem.
The ideological basis of law means that certain crimes become scapegoats whilst others are ignored. For example, benefit fraud receives massive media attention despite costing far less than tax evasion by the wealthy. This helps control public opinion and deflects attention from the crimes of the powerful.
Evaluation shows this theory effectively explains why inequality leads to crime and why corporate crimes often go unpunished. However, critics argue it assumes people don't understand their exploitation and struggles to explain violent or sexual crimes without financial motives.
Remember: The theory suggests that even police protection serves as social control rather than genuine public safety – it's about maintaining the existing power structure.
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Criminology774 views·Updated 3 Sept 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Marxism in Criminology - Unit 2 Summary
S
Sian Jones@sianjones_bxpl
Ever wondered why some crimes get more attention than others, or why certain groups seem to be targeted by the police? Marxist theories of crime offer a fascinating perspective that links criminal behaviour to social inequality and class conflict. This...
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of 2
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Marxist Theories of Crime
Marxism examines the ongoing conflict between the bourgeoisie (upper class) and the proletariat (working class) over resources and power. The theory argues that society is fundamentally unequal, with the ruling class using various methods, including the criminal justice system, to maintain their dominance.
The ruling class creates laws and controls how they're enforced, which means they can criminalise activities that threaten their position whilst protecting their own interests. They also control wages and resources, limiting what ordinary people can afford through legitimate means.
Capitalism plays a crucial role in creating crime according to this theory. Companies keep wages low to maximise profits whilst charging high prices for goods and services. When workers can't afford what society tells them they need, some turn to crime as an alternative.
Key Insight: Laws aren't neutral – they're created by those in power to protect their own interests, not to serve everyone equally.
2
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Law Creation and Social Control
Law enforcement tends to focus heavily on working-class areas whilst ignoring corporate crime and white-collar crime committed by the wealthy. This selective enforcement creates the illusion that crime is primarily a working-class problem.
The ideological basis of law means that certain crimes become scapegoats whilst others are ignored. For example, benefit fraud receives massive media attention despite costing far less than tax evasion by the wealthy. This helps control public opinion and deflects attention from the crimes of the powerful.
Evaluation shows this theory effectively explains why inequality leads to crime and why corporate crimes often go unpunished. However, critics argue it assumes people don't understand their exploitation and struggles to explain violent or sexual crimes without financial motives.
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