Marxist Theory and Capitalism Quiz

Which of these is NOT an explanation of why capitalism is criminogenic?

• Poverty means crime is the only way the working class can survive

• Crime is the only way the working class can obtain consumer goods.

• Alienation and lack of control over their lives may lead to frustration and aggression

• Because capitalism reduces poverty and alienation

What does David Gordon (1976) argue about crime in relation to capitalism?

• Crime is a result of poor law enforcement in capitalist societies

• Crime is a rational response to the capitalist system found in all social classes

• Crime is predominantly a working-class phenomenon due to poverty

• Crime in capitalism is mainly due to the lack of consumer goods

How do Marxists view the role of law in capitalist societies?

• As a reflection of the value consensus and interests of society as a whole

• As primarily serving the interests of the capitalist class

• As an equitable system that protects the rights of all classes

• As a system designed to eliminate class distinctions

What is the Marxist perspective on the enforcement of laws in capitalist states?

• Laws are enforced equally across all classes

• The capitalist state is reluctant to pass laws that threaten business profitability

• Laws are primarily focused on protecting consumer rights

• The enforcement of laws is aimed at promoting social welfare

According to Frank Pearce (1976), laws such as workplace health and safety often benefit which class in society?

• The ruling class

• The working class

• Ethnic minorities

• The powerful elite

What is a major criticism of the Marxist approach to crime and law as mentioned in the text?

• It overemphasizes the role of the state in crime prevention.

• It ignores the relationship between crime and non-class inequalities such as ethnicity and gender.

• It completely denies the occurrence of crime in capitalist societies.

• It supports the capitalist class unconditionally.

Why does crime appear to be a largely working-class phenomenon?

• Because the state does not enforce laws effectively.

• Because the media portrays criminals as disturbed individuals.

• Because laws are not rigorously enforced.

• Because the state enforces the law selectively.

Which of the following is NOT limitation to Marxist theories to crime and deviance?

• Deterministic

• Not all capitalist societies have high crime rates

• Ignores intra-class crime; working class commit crimes against working class.

• Views crime as too positive.