what is the usefulness of the marxist perspective on crime?

[easyhaynz]

I have an timed essay question on this and, to, be honest, am struggling a little!!

[JockSporran]

Marxist view: Crime is an inevitable consequence of capitalism. As capitalism creates inequality between the haves and the have-nots, envy, frustration or desperation leads to people stealing what they don't have, especially if they are unable to acquire wealth by legal means under bourgeouois law. Also capitalism, by its very nature, encourages selfishness, personal gain and self-acqisition.

Marxist regimes have taken a very hard line on crime because, although understandable in a capitalist society, it is unacceptable in a socialist society. Crime in Communist countries was seen as a kind of hangover from the old capitalist days and criminals were viewed as parasites in a workers' state. Communist regimes tended to 'correct' wrongdoers by a combination of labour (in camps) and frequent lectures and educational sessions on socialist ethics and why crime is wrong and unnecessary in a 'sharing' society.

[beso]

Marx was an idiot.

The only thing he was right about was that following his philosophy would bring about a cashless, classless society. Marxist regimes endrd up with no cash and no class.