Overview
This lecture covers Marxist theories of crime and deviance, focusing on the concept of criminogenic capitalism and how capitalist systems contribute to crime.
Criminogenic Capitalism
- Criminogenic capitalism is the idea that the design of capitalism inevitably leads to criminal behavior.
- Capitalism promotes "false needs" by encouraging people to desire goods and lifestyles they often cannot afford.
- Limited legitimate opportunities to meet these desires push some people towards crime.
- High unemployment and stagnant wages are features of capitalism that exacerbate crime.
- This theory is similar to Merton's "strain theory," where people resort to crime when they cannot achieve socially promoted goals through legitimate means.
Marxist Perspectives on Crime
- William Chambliss argued that crime exists in all social classes, caused by capitalism's focus on individual gain.
- The working class may turn to violent crimes and theft due to limited means.
- The ruling class commits corporate or white-collar crimes (e.g., fraud, embezzlement) to increase wealth.
- David Gordon claimed the competition and "dog-eat-dog" nature of capitalism make crime a rational response.
- Lack of welfare provisions, particularly in the USA, increases crime rates by leaving basic needs unmet.
- Gordon and Mankoff found lower crime in post-war Europe, attributing this to the establishment of the welfare state.
Capitalism and Corporate Crime
- Laureen Snider examined how capitalist competition pushes companies to commit corporate crimes to boost profits.
- Corporate crimes, such as money laundering and fraudulent accounting, often have greater societal impact than street crimes.
- Corporate crimes are often concealed and cost the economy significantly more than street-level crime.
Evaluation of Criminogenic Capitalism
- Criminogenic capitalism is supported by both Marxists and some non-Marxist theorists (e.g., Merton).
- The theory does not explain why most low-income people conform or why crimes target local individuals rather than corporations.
- There's a need to consider both structural factors and individual agency in understanding criminal behavior.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Criminogenic Capitalism — The concept that capitalism inherently produces crime.
- False Needs — Desires created by capitalism for goods/lifestyles not essential for well-being.
- Corporate Crime — Illegal acts committed by companies or individuals in business contexts.
- White-collar Crime — Non-violent crime for financial gain committed by professionals or office workers.
- Reserve Army of Labor — A pool of unemployed workers used to keep wages low.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the concept of "strain theory" for comparison.
- Read about welfare states and their impact on crime rates.
- Prepare examples of corporate and white-collar crimes for discussion.