Describe karl marx's theory on crime. What influnce has Marx had on current social policy?

Question

writing a paper and looking for some ideas so if you can please give me some good examples i would appreciate it

Answer 1

Marx attack traditional concern of sociologists of crime and deviance with street crime.  crime arises from definitions of crime imposed by authorities. one eg -  focus on extent of crime committed by corporations and white collar cime, demonstrating that crime is diffused through society.

ignores individual motivation for crime; concentrates on nature of capitalism and how economic factors ‘force’ people to act in certain ways. perceptions, ideas and motivations are rarely discussed.

white-collar crime characterised by invisibility of victim and complexity. often occurs when person with expert knowledge uses it to steal or defraud. difficult to catch them and victim is often unaware. white-collar criminals often given ‘soft’ punishment, given amounts of money involved. 'cos pple in hi-society are committing them.  not regarded as seriously as street crime/burglary. marx argue it is connected to ability of powerful to manipulate values of society.

high rate of crime amongst white collar, youth and minorities is due to biased policing. also argue that laws are biased against them, forcing them into crime.

some law can be ‘functional’ to maintain capitalism.       societies, which call themselves marxist, have equal crime rate to capitalist ones, yet in marxist society, there should be no crime.

must uncover links between way control orgainisations operate, the effects upon people being controlled and benefits to ruling class