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Marxists Theories Of Crime!
- Marx wrote very little about crime, but this has not stopped others developing a traditional
marxist view on crime. It is called traditional because the ideas are linked to the original
concepts presented by Marx about the bourgeoisie, proletariat and the nature of capitalist
society! ~ Power is in the hands of those who own the means of production. The
superstructure reflects the relationship between the powerful and the relatively powerless.
HERMANN MANNHEIM ~ Writes 'the history of criminal legislation in England and many
other countries show that excessive prominance was given by the law to the protection of
property.(property is seen to be more important than humans)
- Many Marxists view crime as a
product of a capitalist society
and believe that the capitalist
economic system generates
crime. This belief is based on
the following reasons: ~ The
infrastructure is the major
influence on social
relationships values and
beliefs. ~ Capitalist ideals
encourage the maximising of
profits and wealth
accumillation! ~ It is economic
self-interest that motivates
behaviour rather than public
duty! (people buy into criminal
behaviour) ~Crime is rational
as people (proletariat) are
basically left to fend fro
themselves!
- These various quotations are supported by a range of evidence. For
example, the BBC (2007) conducted research into the experience of work in
the United Kingdom of migrants from Eastern Europe. It was found that many
migrants were in a BONDED LABOUR relationship with their employer. The
migrants were providing cheap labour for capitalist enterprises (something
desired by both the employers and goverments). The goverment were not
prepared to legislate (create laws) that protected the 'rights' of these
employers.
- These various quotations are supported by a range of evidence. For
example, the BBC (2007) conducted research into the experience of work in
the United Kingdom of migrants from Eastern Europe. It was found that many
migrants were in a BONDED LABOUR relationship with their employer. The
migrants were providing cheap labour for capitalist enterprises (something
desired by both the employers and goverments). The goverment were not
prepared to legislate (create laws) that protected the 'rights' of these
employers.
- The majority of laws in Britian and America work
in favour of the capitalists. Yet many laws do
benifit other social classes, not only because the
system needs a healthy, safe population of
producers and consumers but also because it
needs their loyalty (pearce 1976)
- Chambliss(1976) Argues that crime is not the
servant of the ruling class, but rather, an
integral part of it. ~ Those who operate
organised crime in American cities are not
members of some 'criminal class' ~They belong
to the political and social elite! ~ It is not only
the small minority of active syndicate members
within the ruling class who profit from crime.
The class as a whole benefits, since monies
gained from illegal activities are used to
finance legal business operations. ~ Corruption
of local political and law enforcement agencies
is essential for organised crime to flourish. ~
Ultimately, criminal acts which favour the ruling
class interests will not be punished, those that
do will be subject to legal sanctions.
- In some cases the ruling class have entered into
relationships with organised crime! ~ Pearce (1976)
Notes that in America in the 1920's and 1930's American
organised crime, had been encouraged, ignored or
repressed in direct relationship to its usefulness to the
American ruling class. ~ In the 1930's large companies
employed gangsters for a variety of purposes such as
breaking strikes, to intimidate workers. To infiltrate and
control unions, or to put competitors out of business.
This was evident in the conflicts between bosses and
workers in disputes with Ford and General motors. ~
Such 'working relationships' are still evident. For
example, the filming of the James Bond movie Quantum
of Solace involved the film production company seeking
support from the street gangs that controlled Panama
City!
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