Left realist Flashcards
P1: What is relative deprivation, according to Left Realists?
Relative deprivation is the feeling of being worse off compared to others, even if one’s standard of living is not low, which can lead to frustration and crime.
How do Lea and Young (1984) explain the link between relative deprivation and crime?
In a materialistic society, people compare themselves to wealthier groups, leading to resentment and frustration, which can drive crime when legitimate opportunities are blocked.
What is an example of relative deprivation leading to crime?
Young people from deprived backgrounds may aspire to expensive brands (e.g., Gucci, BMW) but turn to crime when they cannot achieve these goals legally.
Why is relative deprivation a useful explanation for crime?
It explains why crime persists in affluent societies where poverty is not extreme, highlighting the role of inequality in driving criminal behaviour.
What is a limitation of the relative deprivation explanation?
It does not explain why some people who experience relative deprivation do not turn to crime, as cultural factors (e.g., strong family values) may prevent criminal behaviour.
P2: How do Left Realists explain the role of subcultures in crime?
Subcultures are collective responses to relative deprivation, with some turning to crime to close the “deprivation gap” and others turning to religion or other means.
What is an example of a subculture turning to crime?
Young (2002) highlights how ghettos in the USA are immersed in the “American Dream,” leading some to turn to street crime when they cannot achieve material success legitimately.
Why is the subculture explanation useful?
It shows how crime is shaped by wider social and economic factors, rather than just individual choices.
What is a limitation of the subculture explanation?
It does not explain why some subcultures conform while others turn to crime, and it underplays the role of capitalism in creating inequality.
How do Marxists critique the Left Realist view of subcultures?
Marxists argue that Left Realism does not go far enough in explaining why economic inequalities exist, as capitalism itself creates frustration and consumerist culture.
P3: What is the Left Realist approach to policing?
Left Realists advocate for democratic policing, where officers work with communities to build trust and increase cooperation, rather than relying on punitive measures.
Why do Left Realists criticise militaristic policing?
Militaristic policing (e.g., stop and search) alienates communities and can make crime worse by eroding trust.
What is an example of successful community policing?
Neighbourhood policing teams have reduced crime rates in some areas by fostering cooperation between police and local residents.
What is a strength of the Left Realist approach to policing?
It acknowledges that crime cannot be solved by punishment alone and emphasises the importance of social trust and community involvement.
What is a limitation of community policing?
It can be expensive and slow to implement, making it less practical in some contexts compared to punitive measures.
P4: What is the Left Realist solution to crime?
Left Realists argue that crime can only be tackled by addressing structural inequalities, such as poverty, unemployment, and poor education.
What policies do Left Realists advocate for?
Policies like raising the minimum wage, improving social housing, and increasing youth services to tackle the root causes of crime.
What is an example of a country with low crime rates due to reduced inequality?
Scandinavian countries, which have lower income inequality and stronger welfare systems, tend to have lower crime rates.
Why is tackling structural inequalities a useful solution to crime?
It addresses the root causes of crime, such as economic deprivation, rather than just dealing with the symptoms.
What is a limitation of the Left Realist focus on structural inequalities?
It assumes all crime is economically motivated, ignoring factors like personal choice, addiction, or gang culture, which may also drive criminal behaviour.
