1. ASSIGNMENT 2
Item B
Marxists do not see the law as a reflection of a value consensus among society’s members. Instead they see the law as a tool of
the ruling class, the police and other social control agencies as paid agents of the ruling class, and crime as an inevitable
outcome of the dog-eat-dog nature of the capitalist system, and the inequalities it generates. Crime also serves as a diversionary
tactic, it diverts attention away from the exploitation and inequalities within the capitalism system and focuses the minds of the
proletariat on deviants and criminals who are then mistakenly blamed for being the real cause of problems in society. However
there are several variations in Marxist ideas on crime. Neo Marxists have developed critical criminology which has attempted to
incorporate labelling theory and Brake has used subcultural theory to explain the attraction of youth groups.
Using material from item B and elsewhere assess the usefulness of Marxist approaches in explaining
crime
Possible Plan
POSSIBLE PLAN – you are strongly advised to include all of the material below (and anything else you feel is relevant too).
When I am marking it is better for you for me to concentrate on the A02 skills you need to win the marks rather than the A01
skills of knowledge and understanding.
INTRO – a couple of sentences on the basics of Marxist theory – use A PRICE memory jogger to help you
Explain that Marxists are divided (as Item B states). Traditional Marxists prioritise the criminogenic nature of capitalism, the way
the state makes and enforces laws in the interests of the ruling class and the way crime is used ideologically to prop up the
power of the ruling class. Neo Marxists broadly agree but incorporate the insights of labelling and interactionism and are critical
of some aspects of Traditional Marxist theory notably its deterministic element.
PARAGRAPH 1 – using well chosen examples outline the traditional Marxist view of crime with its CSI elements:
- Criminogenic nature of capitalism(page 87)
- State makes and enforces laws in the interests of the ruling class and to control the proletariat (page 87-8)
- Ideological functions of crime and law(page 88)
PARAGRAPH 2
Outline some of the criticisms of the traditional Marxist approach using other perspectives where you can (page 88-9). Try to
include counter evaluation here too.
PARAGRAPH 3
Outline the Neo-Marxist approach (Critical Criminology) – builds on the traditional Marxist approach while being critical of it in
some respects (page 89). Incorporates labelling theory.
Briefly describe and explain the Fully Social Theory of Deviance written by Taylor, Walton and Young(page 90) and provide an
example of how it is useful. Hall et al’s Policing the Crisis (page 115) will be very useful here because it illustrates the Fully Social
Theory very well.
PARAGRAPH 4
Outline some of the criticisms of the Neo Marxist approach using other perspectives where you can (page 90).
Left Realists are highly critical for example.
Don’t forget functionalists either – remember to them a crime-free society would be dangerous. Functionalist views are used in
Item B so don’t forget to refer to this when you are evaluating.
PARAGRAPH 5
Write a paragraph on Brake’s Neo Marxist subcultural theory
Mike Brake’s Neo Marxist subcultural theory – links formation of youth groups to capitalist society. Each generation of working
class youth faces similar problems (dead-end jobs, unemployment etc). Resistance is expressed through working class youth
subcultures. They express their disdain of the system (capitalism) through their distinctive culture (own language, music,
lifestyle, clothes.......). But this resistance is magical – an illusion. Evaluation (A02) of this approach.
CONCLUSION
REMEMBER – keep referring back to the question and to Item B. Are Marxist views useful in explaining crime, or are other
theories better? Does the evidence back up Marxist ideas? Keep evaluating and analysing as you go. Bring in relevant examples…