Left Realism Flashcards
What is Left Realism?
Left Realists, with a socialist outlook, see crime as a result of inequality in capitalist society, affecting disadvantaged groups like the working class, ethnic minorities, and women. Crime is highest in deprived areas with unemployment. They argue that crime and fear of crime are serious issues, mainly impacting the working class.
What do Left Realists think the major causes of crimes are?
Relative deprivation
Marginalisation
Subcultures
What is Relative Deprivation?
Left Realists argue that crime stems from relative deprivation—how deprived people feel compared to others. Lea and Young highlight two key factors increasing this:
The media promotes materialism, creating a “culture hooked on Gucci, BMW, & Nike.”
Growing social inequality due to cuts in benefits, unemployment, and low wages.
While society is wealthier, many feel poorer as they struggle to attain the lifestyles portrayed in the media. This perceived unfairness leads some to crime to obtain what they believe they deserve. Runciman’s (1966) concept of relative deprivation explains why crime increases even in wealthier societies.
What is Marginalisation?
Lea and Young argue that marginalized groups lack representation, power, and clear goals, making them more likely to engage in crime. Factors like poor education, unemployment, and lack of opportunities cause some to “slip out of society.” Unlike workers with unions to voice grievances, jobless youths feel powerless and frustrated, often expressing their resentment through crime, violence, and rioting. This marginalization can also lead to rejecting societal norms, resulting in deviant behavior.
What is Subcultures?
A subculture is a group’s response to relative deprivation, where some turn to crime as a solution. Criminal subcultures share society’s materialistic goals but, due to blocked legitimate opportunities (like well-paid jobs), resort to crime. Inner-city youths may face discrimination or poor education, limiting their job prospects. Crime becomes an alternative to achieve desired consumer goods. Working-class subcultures form from social inequality, with criminal subcultures emerging as a way to achieve mainstream goals through illegitimate means, as explained by Cohen’s theory of status frustration.
