New Left Realism Flashcards
How do they differ
Police not angels or devils
Do accept statistics
See society as unequal capitalist
Reformists rather than revolutionary
What do NLR mean by saying they are ‘reformist not revolutionary’ sociologists
Try reduce crime using practical strategies e.g. Open more leisure centres
Why did NLR develop and originate from
Developed 80s response to rising crime rate and lack practical solutions and influence Right Realism of Conservatism gov policy
Why do New Left Realists criticise Marx
Being locked away in their ‘ivory towers’ failing to recognise official statistics and victim surveys prove we have a problem with black and white street crime, they do reflect certain degree reality
Why do NRL challenge radical criminologists
Romanticising w.c. crime, labelling: ignoring real victim of crime
Key concepts
Relative deprivation
Marginalisation
Subculture
Who researches in to NLR approach
Lea and Young
How does relative deprivation lead to crime
Feel deprived - more likely resort to crime obtain what feel entitled to
Today whilst better off more aware of relative deprivation due to the media leading w.c who cannot afford material possessions (media part superstructure)
What other areas of crime and deviance does relative deprivation link to
Mertons strain theory
Nightingales study
Outline Nightingales study to support relative deprivation
Black youths Philadelphia wanted the American dream but rejected conventional means and turned to illegal means as were economically, educationally and politically excluded from mainstream society
How does Mertons strain theory link
Want American dream
Culturally included but structurally excluded
Which NLR conducted a study in to relative deprivation
Young
What was Youngs research
In to ghettos in USA, showed ‘full immersion in American Dream: a culture hooked on Gucci, BMW, Nikes’ = opportunities are blocked so resort to street crime
How do subcultures lead to violence
Those most likely turn to crime developed own subculture as strategy cope relative deprivation. More like commit if with other likeminded individuals
What other area of crime and deviance is NLR subculture influenced by
Subcultural theorists
Cohen, Cloward and Ohlin
How do subcultural theorists link to subcultures NLR
Blocked opportunities and reaction of subcultures result failure to achieve mainstream goals
Whose research supports subcultures
Bourgeois
Pitts
What was Bourgeois research
El Barrio New York
How does Bourgeois El Barrio study support subcultures
Noticed a whole ‘alternate economy’ of opportunities in drugs trade
What is Pitts study
Gangs inner London
How does Pitts study support subcultures
Gangs inner city London feel no choice but to join due to risk to them and their families
How does marginalisation lead to crime
Dont have a voice: no representation
Fringe of society: feelings hostility and resentment
Cant use power/political means to improve: express frustration through crime
Breakdown in communities: between police and community
Return to consensual policing !!!!!!
Who are NLR influenced by
Hirschi
What does the influence of Hirschi develop
Belied break laws when societal bonds are weak, people rational in terms of actions and choice: weigh up costs and benefits
Consider 4 types of control
What are the 4 types of control
Attachment
Commitment
Involvement
Belief
How does Attachment control behaviour
Committed to family, this is threatened if involve in criminality
How does Commitment control behaviour
Invested years e.g in to a career, lose it all if involved in crime
How does Involvement control behaviour
Actively brought up in community life, respect and reputation lost if involve in crime
How does Belief control behaviour
Brought up strongly to follow committed laws, discipline and respect
What are the 2 types of solutions
Move back to consensual policing
Social and economic crime prevention strategies
How is moving back to Consensual Policing a solution
Moved to military policing: ‘mobilisation of by-standers’ those not involved in police see them as ‘alien’ force
Police and communities need work together
Acknowledge: some areas over/under policed
What are social and crime prevention strategies
Sure Start, VOMs, PACT
Address social inequalities: improved leisure facilities, better housing standards, reduce unemployment, victim support
Perry Pre-School Project
What is the Perry Pre-School Project
Every $1 spent on if, saved $17 that would have been spent on welfare/prisons
What does Tony Blair criticise this view
Accused adopting more NR strategies e.g. ASBOs, tagging, curfews
Positives of NLR view
Offers causes and solutions
Looks at square of crime: interplay victims, offenders, state/police, public all play a part
Pays attention to victims and problems street crime
Neither glorifies or pathologies the police - unlike NR and Trad Marx
Criticisms of the NLR view
Whats new? Rehashes Merton and subcultural theory
Insufficient attention to white collar crime
