Radical Theories of Crime

Radical theories focus on how the socio-economic structures in society contribute to crime. They argue that crime is not just an individual act, but a consequence of systemic inequalities, exploitation, and the imbalance of power. These theories emerged as a critique of traditional criminological theories, which often viewed crime as an isolated issue or as a result of individual failings, ignoring the broader social, economic, and political contexts that contribute to criminal behavior. The primary assumption is that social structures, particularly those based on class, are inherently unjust and create conditions that foster crime.

Key Radical Theories of Crime:

1. Marxist Theory of Crime:
The Marxist theory of crime, rooted in the works of Karl Marx, focuses on the relationship between crime and economic systems. According to Marxism, crime is a direct result of economic inequality and class struggle. The theory emphasizes that crime is not random, but rather a byproduct of capitalist societies where there is a division between the rich (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).