What did Gordon argue about crime in relation to social classes?

Gordon argued that crime is a rational response to the inequalities inherent in capitalism, suggesting that individuals across all social classes may resort to crime as a means of coping with the pressures and limitations imposed by the capitalist system. He posited that economic deprivation, social exclusion, and a lack of legitimate opportunities can drive individuals to engage in criminal behavior, regardless of their social class. This view highlights that crime can manifest in various forms and is not exclusive to any single class; rather, it is a phenomenon linked to the broader socio-economic context.

This perspective provides a more nuanced understanding of crime by emphasizing that people from different social classes might choose criminality as a means of achieving goals or responding to frustrations related to their socio-economic status. As a result, it challenges common stereotypes that associate crime predominantly with the working class, instead illustrating that crime can be found across the social spectrum. This aligns with the idea that the pressures of capitalist society can push individuals to commit crimes, making the argument widely applicable.