Solutions - Left Wing

Question 1

Prevention

Lea & Young

Answer 1

• Left wing theorists maintain the stance that the unequal social structure of society is a major cause of crime
• To help reduce crime and deviance, structural changes are needed to tackle inequality such as
• Increasing benefits, Raising the minimum wage, Introducing a more redistributive taxation policy

Increasing benefits
Raising the minimum wage
Introducing a more redistributive taxation policy

Question 2

Punishment

Braithwaite

Answer 2

• Rehabilitation which aims to integrate the offender back into society
• having addressed the causes of offending is seen as an effective deterrent to further misdemeanors: ‘reintegrative shaming’
• The theory holds that punishments should focus on the offender’s behavior rather than characteristics of the offender

Question 3

Control

Answer 3

• Challenging perceived flaws in current policing, [military style policing] in particular being criticized
• Instead relationship between police and community needs to be improved through ‘minimal policing’
• Characterised by good community relationships where trust and co-operation between are encouraged
  -New focus on domestic violence, white collar and racially motivated crime

Question 4

(-) New Right criticism of Left Wing Solutions by Murray

lowkey tie this to the Wilson & Kelling one

Answer 4

Long-term crime prevention strategies are criticised for being unrealistic and ineffective

Question 5

(-) Murray the biggest hater swear down

Answer 5

• Disagrees that benefits should be raised to help alleviate the risk of poverty, which is seen as a cause of crime
• Instead benefits should be cut
• They promote ‘feckless’ behaviour
• Prevents families and individuals from taking responsibility for their actions

Question 6

(-) Guess who it’s Murray again

Answer 6

Structural changes in society take time and punitive punishment and control is more popular and effective as a deterrent

For example the USA ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy

(increases prison sentences of persons convicted of felonies who have been previously convicted of a violent or serious felony)

Question 7

(-) no way it’s actually not Murray this time

Wilson & Kelling

Answer 7

Right wing theorists focus on crime prevention in the form of zero tolerance policing

Rather than left-wing focus on better community relationships with the police