Left Realism

Question 1

What is the key idea of this theory?

Answer 1

they believe in gradual change rather than a violent overthrow of capitalism.

Question 2

What are the 3 explanations of crime according to Left Realists?

Answer 2

Relative deprivation
subcultures
marginalisation

Question 3

Explain relative deprivation

Answer 3

people turn to crime if they have no way of affording the aspirational lifestyle.

Question 4

Explain subcultures

Answer 4

criminal subcultures share society’s money goals but due to blocked opportunities they turn to crime.

Question 5

Explain Marginalisation

Answer 5

groups without clearly defined goals and instead express through crime.

Question 6

What are the strengths of this theory?

Answer 6

• draws attention to the importance of poverty, inequality and relative deprivation.
• draws attention to the reality of street crime and its effects.

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of this theory?

Answer 7

• overpredicts the amount of working class crime. not everyone suffering from relative deprivation turns to crime.