The division between the rich and poor

Being labelled by the Media

Lacking a Father figure

A Capitalist economy creating greed and pressure

rational choice theory

Innovation

labelling theory

Means and Goals

is supported by official statistics that show a higher proportion of acquisitive crime is committed by those from unskilled manual backgrounds (or ‘lower social classes’). This means that although they want to do well through education and work, they are unable to access the same opportunities.

There are examples where the law has been enforced selectively in the favour of the wealthy or powerful. Examples include the Fifa fraud or the MP’s expenses scandal where most were simply required to pay back the money themselves.

The law does not simply protect ruling class interests and that many laws that are in the interests of all society. Examples here include health and safety legislation, consumer protection, traffic laws and laws against household, vehicles and violence.

Whilst Capitalism may be linked to crime, there are clearly other Capitalist states such as Japan and Switzerland who experience very low levels of crime.