Marxist theories of crime

Marxist criminological theory asserts that crime is the result of structural inequalities that are inherently associated with capitalist economic systems. Marx’s economic theory is the background for the critical theory of criminal behavor.Marxist criminologists argue that a society where some people because of their place in the capitalist system are able to accrue a great deal of wealth and material goods .Such behavior results from a lack of attention by those in power to the growing tensions among the working classes who see a great divide between what the culture teaches them they can and should achieve and the actual opportunities that could assist them in such achievement. The Marxist criminologists argue that the criminal justice system, the system through which people who break the law are processed should become more equitable. There should be an expectation that all individuals who come in contact with the system will be treated justly and equitably with the rich receiving the same treatment as the poor. According to Reiman (2001) a system where the rich get richer and the poor get prison should be abolished once and for all. When differences exist between the haves and the have nots when it comes to the meting out of justice, it becomes clear that the system is unjust.

Source : Reiman,J ( 2001) The Rich get richer and the poor get prison.Allyn & Bacon,Boston,MA

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