Applying Marx’s ideas to 13th.
In what way does the law further the economic interests of those in power?
How does the law maintain the status quo?
Marx’s ideas about conflict theory apply to the documentary because the idea that one group of people (white people) have more power in the justice system is very evident. In the eyes of the law black people are criminalized at much higher rates than white people, leading to extreme disparities in the percent of incarcerated people. Also, the idea of the bourgeoisie and the proletariats who are forced to work for them is evident as well. People in prisons are exploited for their labor and in some ways has allowed slavery to continue under the guise of punishment for crimes. By criminalizing black people at extremely disproportionate rates, those in power are able to legally imprison them and exploit their labor with essentially no questions asked.
