Left Realist Theories On Crime

Question 1

What are the three concepts that left realists lea and young describe crime and deviance to revolve around?

Answer 1

Relative deprivation, marginalisation and subculture

Question 2

Briefly explain relative deprivation in terms of crime and deviance

Answer 2

Relative deprivation is when one is deprived of comforts, self respect and opportunities that the rest of society experience. In modern society it is must more prominent due to the media and constant advertisement. A lot of people who experience relative poverty are born into it therefore feel hostile towards capitalism so pursue criminal responses.

Question 3

Describe marginalisation in terms of crime and deviance.

Answer 3

Young people for example often feel powerless in society so feel they are marginalised. This feeling of insignificance may be translated into feelings of hostility and anger which may lead to criminal activity.

Question 4

Describe subculture as a concept in relation to crime

Answer 4

Deviant subcultures are formed as a result of marginalisation and relative poverty. These subcultures revolve around criminal and deviant values.

Question 5

Outline two left realist solutions to crime.

Answer 5

Improved policing; the police need to regain the trust of local community’s by eradicating ‘zero tolerance’ policies in order to prove they are not stereotypical or Racist.

Search for the deep rooted causes of crime such as social inequality and unemployment.

Question 6

Evaluate the left realist perspective of crime.

Answer 6

It focuses more on the victims of crime and the solutions.

No reference to women and crime and not enough influence on white collar crime.