NCJ Number
76520
Editor(s)
D F Greenberg
Date Published
1981
Length
510 pages
Annotation
Marxian criminology has emerged as one of the leading schools of contemporary criminological thought; this collection of essays offers an overview of its basic tenets and illustrates their application to the analysis of specific phenomena.
Abstract
The introduction presents the origins of radical criminology through a critique of mainstream criminology, liberal reform attempts, and the relationship of power and the law. Some elements of Marxian social theory are explained for their relevance to criminology, and arguments are presented in defense of Marxian criminology as a valid and needed criminological approach. Extensive excerpts from the writings of Marx and Engels are cited relating to crime and punishment. These readings are divided into thematic sections. Crime causation is the first issue, addressed in essays on the origins of capitalism, juvenile delinquency, regional crime rate differences, organized crime, and crime and monopoly. Instrumental and structural theories of state and law are reviewed under the topic of criminal law and criminal justice, as are historical perspectives of 19th century penal reform, origins of the urban police, and prison labor. Contemporary penal conditions and the prosecution of crime are also analyzed in this section. Papers on crime and revolution examine the question of whether crime is 'progressive' and whether it advances or retards socialist revolution. In this context, the roles of crime in general and delinquent gangs in particular are empirically examined for their contribution to the 'terminal crisis' of capitalism. The concluding section contains reflections on matters of praxis or theoretically guided political action. Suggestions are made for ways in which Marxist criminologists can draw on their analytical insights to engage in activities that will advance socialism. Individual articles contain notes, references, and tabular data. A glossary and index to the volume are supplied. For separate essays, see NCJ 76521-27.