Radical criminology states that society "functions" in terms of the general interests of the ruling class rather than "society as a whole" and that while the potential for conflict is always present, it is continually neutralised by the power of a ruling class.[1][2][3] Radical criminology is related to critical and conflict criminology in its focus on class struggle and its basis in Marxism. Radical criminologists consider crime to be a tool used by the ruling class. Laws are put into place by the elite and are then used to serve their interests at the peril of the lower classes.[4] These laws regulate opposition to the elite and keep them in power.
Given its nature, radical criminology is not well funded by governments and is generally not supported by government policies.[1] Some argue that the radical criminological perspective has waned in influence, particularly with an aging population. Concerns about its credibility and utility persist, and there is ongoing debate about whether radical criminology still exists.[5]
- ^ a b Mike Maguire; Rodney Morgan; Robert Reiner (2007). The Oxford handbook of criminology (4, Illustrated ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-920543-1. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
- ^ Johnson, E. H. (1978). "Radical Criminology and Marxism: A Fallible Relationship". Criminal Justice Review. 3: 53–63. doi:10.1177/073401687800300107. S2CID 145195080.
- ^ "Radical Criminology: Theoretical Origins" (PDF). Retrieved 22 February 2010.
- ^ crit (2010-04-15). "Radical Criminology". Critical Criminology. Retrieved 2019-04-28.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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