NCJ Number
86696
Journal
Journal of Applied Behavioral Science Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1981) Pages: 380-394
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
As the 'new' criminologist applies the concepts and themes of Marxian critical criminology, his/her roles as scholar, practitioner, scientist, and citizen become one in an effort to promote thought and action that will create a working-class revolt against oppressive capitalist forms of life.
Abstract
As an emancipatory science, Marxian critical criminology directs research and action toward the predetermined goal of a rational and decent society in the form of democratic socialism, which offers the conditions of labor and production necessary for self-determination, sociality, and rationality. The criminologist involved in such a task must be engaged in enlightement, advocacy, and political action. Enlightenment begins with the development of a critical philosophy, which is marked by commitment to a future reality in which people can experience their full potential. Enlightenement is actualized through the development of a working-class consciousness and participation in the collective class struggle. Advocacy involves speaking and writing in support of working-class interests so as to develop a collective working-class consciousness. The criminologist's involvement in political action begins with an attack upon capitalism's legal definitions of crime and the development of a human rights definition of crime. The objects of social policy and action should be those conditions that repress human potential and induce social relationships and institutions that facilitate human rights violations. Oppressive systems become the object of political action. Only out of the unification of political action, advocacy, and enlightenment will new humanist institutions and a liberated society emerge. Twenty-six references are listed.