Left Realism

Question 1

who are the theorists and what do they say are the main causes of crime?

Answer 1

lea and young (1984) state that the main causes of crime are relative deprivation, marginalisation and subcultures.

Question 2

what is relative deprivation?

Answer 2

this is where you judge your status by that of others. in simple terms, you compare yourself with others who have more expensive material things. this perception of inequality and deprivation relative to others can fuel frustration and lead to criminal behvaiour.

Question 3

what is subcultures?

Answer 3

this is a result of marginalisation. subcultures form groups which share feelings of marginalisation or deprivation. these groups may develop alternate values that legitimise criminal behaviour as a response to societal exclusion or the lack of legitimate opportunities.

Question 4

what is marginalisation?

Answer 4

this would be when a group in society feel like as if they don’t have any representation and feel pushed aside in society possibly leading to feelings of frustration, alienation and sometimes criminal behaviour.

Question 5

is there any way to criticise left realists?

Answer 5

YES! left realism is very idealistic rather than realistic. some of their policies (community policing and reducing inequality) are too idealistic or hard to implement effectively in practice. it also tends to emphasise economic inequality and deprivation as key causes of crime but it overlooks other factors such as: individual choice, cultural influences etc…