left realism Flashcards
What does left realism suggest?
- That crime is largely a product of social inequality and deprivation
- It was developed by Young, Lea and Matthews
- Came about as a response to right realism in the early 1980s.
Related to Marxism and new criminology but focuses on practical ways to solve crime - Accuses other theories of not taking crime seriously.
What are the 3 causes of crime identified by Lea and Young?
Relative deprivation
Subcultures
Marginalisation
How would relative deprivation cause crime?
If an individual feels deprived in comparison to others, it could lead to resentment.
Todays society is richer but crime-ridden, some feel relatively deprived due to the media and the idea of “keeping up with the joneses”
What did young identify in regards to individualism and relative deprivation?
He found that individualism with relative deprivation has led to the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of others. Individualism has led to a breakdown of communities and an increase in anti-social behaviour and aggression, leading to crime.
According to left realist, what is a subculture?
A group’s collective solution to the problem of relative deprivation
How could different groups come up with a solution to the deprivation gap?
Some may turn to religion, some may turn to crime
How would subcultures that turn to religion explain that approach to deprivation
Theodicy of disprivilege by Weber. They find comfort in religion and believing that they will be compensated in the afterlife for their depravation whilst living
How would subcultures that turn to crime explain that approach to deprivation?
They still conform to mainstream societal values like materialism and consumerism. Young studied ghettos in the US and found a full immersion on the American dream but no opportunities to achieve it. Therefore, having to turn to crime in order to achieve their goals through illegitimate ways.
Why would marginalisation lead to crime?
People that have no clear goals or organisations to represent them may feel frustrated which could lead to them expressing it in violent ways (crime)
What is an example of a marginalised group?
Unemployed youths. This is because they have no clear goals and are not represented by any organisations. This could lead them to grow a resentment and frustration as they are political powerless to express their position and they only way to express that is through criminal means like rioting
What period does Young say we are living in right now and why has it led to an increase in crime?
We are living in a period of late modernity, where instability, insecurity an exclusion make crime worse
What is the golden age of modern society?
From the 1950s to the 60s, a period of stability, social inclusivity, security, a comprehensive welfare system and relatively strong communities
What has happened to society after the 1970s?
There has been an increase in exclusion and insecurity, there has been a loss of skilled jobs with increased unemployment.
Greater inequality between the rich and the poor which has led to individualism and relative depravity
