Theories of crime and deviance: Marxist

Introduction to Marxist Theory of Crime and Deviance

Marxist theory is a structural conflict theory based on the ideas of Karl Marx, a philosopher and economist.
It posits that society is capitalist and characterised by two main social classes: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labour.
The theory maintains that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat, leading to social inequality and conflict.

Crimes of the Powerful

Marxists argue that crimes of the powerful, such as white-collar crime and corporate crime, are often overlooked but can be far more damaging than street crime.
The ruling class controls the law, shaping it to serve their interests and protect their power.
They also control crime enforcement, meaning they are less likely to be caught and punished for their crimes.

Capitalism as Criminogenic

Marxists believe that capitalism is criminogenic, which means it inherently generates crime.
In a capitalist society, there is a heavy emphasis on commodity consumption, which creates a culture of envy and greed which can encourage criminal behaviour.
Capitalism also generates significant economic and social inequality, which can lead to anomie (normlessness), alienation and crime.

Selective Law Enforcement

Marxists highlight the concept of selective law enforcement, arguing that laws are enforced more strictly against the lower classes.
The criminal justice system is biased, favouring the rich and powerful, and often overlooking their crimes while punishing the less powerful disproportionately.
This unequal application of law serves to maintain existing power structures and wider systemic inequality.

False Consciousness and Ideological Control

The bourgeois class uses the institution of law to exert ideological control, promoting a false consciousness among the working class and diverting attention from the true nature of class conflict.
The media plays a role in this ideological control, often focusing on working-class crime and downplaying the crimes of the powerful.

Conclusion

Marxist theory offers a critical perspective on crime and deviance, highlighting how social structures, particularly those related to capitalism, can influence individuals’ criminal behaviours.
It underscores the role of social inequality, the influence of the powerful, and the systemic bias of law enforcement in the occurrence and handling of crime and deviance.
However, it is vital to note the criticisms of this approach, such as its economic determinism and its underestimation of individual agency in crime and deviance.