Left Realists Flashcards
Left realists
This was developed as a response to the rising crime rate and need for practical solutions. Its similar to marxist they see society as not equal, but unlike marxist they want gradual change not to over throw capitalism
Relative deprivation - Lea and Young
Lea and Young fund that delinquent youth felt RD because of the high expectations and reality. They have low wages and described bluntly but hall “white mans shit work”. This can lead to crime to get what they feel entitled too. Capitalism has caused this because of rise of consumer. Rising standard of living means higher crime rates.
Subculture
They have blocked opportunities they fail to achieve mainstream goals so subcultures offer a solution to this RD.
Marginalised
Means groups find themselves on the edge of society they lack clear goals and express resentment through criminal means. Young pointed out that they are unsuccessful in school so blocked opportunities. Black males youth have highest stop and search rate this could be a trigger of crime.
Policing and control
They want to improve the relationship between communites and get rid of the “us vs them” approach as the police needs society/
Tackling the structural causes
The causes lie in the structure of society so there needs to be some structural changes.
Government polices
New labours quote “tough on crime tough on the causes on crime” sums up left realist they want a firmer approach of hate crime and protecting the groups in society.
(Square of crime) - 4 elements show the interaction between each and all should work together to reduce crime.
Criticisms of left realists
If left realists were correct then there would be much more crime than there is, they don’t explain why some people have RD but don’t commit crimes. It has also been argued that Lea and Young did not collect enough data to develop a full theory.
