Marxist and Neo-Marxist explanations of deviant subcultures

Marxist and Neo-Marxist explanations of deviant subcultures

1. Traditional Marxism

   • Gordon
     • Capitalism causes crime because it promotes consumerism and materialism. This encourages people to be greedy
     • Explains why poorer people commit crime because it creates a 'culture of envy'. But also explains why those with money commit crime tax evasion and fraud. eg Abby Lee or Jimmy Carr
   • Criticism
     • Not all the proletariat turn to crime in the pursuit of wealth
     • Dosn't explain crime that doesn't have a financial benefit

2. Neo Marxism (CCCS)

   • Hall and Jefferson
     • Resistance against capitalism. The Teddy Boys and Punks. Exploitation, low pay and inner city decline
   • Hall
     • Hippies did resistance through protests
   • Brake
     • Magical soloution
   • Clarke
     • Exaggeration
   • Criticism
     • Not all working class youths turn to crime
     • What about white collar crime/ crimes committed by middle class youthd
     • Growing affluence in modern society but crime levels are still high

3. New Left Realism

   • Lea and Young
     • Marginalisation + Relative Deprivation and subcultures
   • Criticism
     • Too ambitious tries to encourage all kinds of criminal behaviour