Blue booklet - Sociological theories of Crime

Question 1

What are the 3 TYPES of sociological theories?

Answer 1

1)Structuralism
2)Interactionalism
3)Realism

Question 2

What are the 3 structuralist theories?

Answer 2

1)Fuctionalism - Durkheim
2) Strain theory - Merton
3) Marxism - Karl Marx

Question 3

What is the 1 interactionalist theory?

Answer 3

The labelling theory - Becker

Question 4

What are the 2 realism theories?

Answer 4

1) Right realism
2) Left realism

Question 5

What is the functionalism theory?

Answer 5

crime serves a function that helps society operate effectively.

Functionalists argue that social order is maintained when people share and follow mainstream norms and values, leading to value consensus and a collective conscience.

• This increases conformity and control, reducing crime and deviance.

Socialisation teaches norms and values, while institutions like the police, courts, and government enforce them to maintain social control.

Durkheim saw some crime as inevitable and even beneficial, helping society through:
• Social Change
• Boundary Maintenance
• Safety Valve

Too much crime leads to anomie, but none at all can make society stagnant.

Question 6

What did durkheim believe would happen if there would be too much crime?

Answer 6

ANOMIE

• Without effective socialisation or law enforcement, anomie (a state of moral confusion) can occur, threatening stability.
• Too much crime leads to anomie, but none at all can make society stagnant.

Question 7

What are the 3 main functions of the functionalism theory?

Answer 7

1) Social Change

2) Boundary maintenance

3) Safety Valve

Question 8

What are the 2 supporting examples for the Social change function in the Functionalism theory?

Answer 8

1) The Suffragettes - were part of the early 20th-century women’s rights movement, using militant tactics like protests, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience to fight for women’s suffrage. Activist Emily Davison died at the Epsom Derby, symbolizing their commitment. Their deviant actions led to social change, gaining voting rights and promoting gender equality.

2) The Civil Rights Movement - in the U.S. aimed to end racial segregation and promote ethnic equality. Sparked by Rosa Parks’ 1955 arrest, it used nonviolent protest and civil disobedience to challenge unjust laws. These norm-breaking actions led to major legal and social reforms.

Question 9

What is boundary maintenance?

Answer 9

When crime occurs, public outrage and the response to it reinforce collective conscience, reminding society that such behaviour is unacceptable. Punishment and legal sanctions help reassert shared norms and values, maintaining moral order.

Question 10

What is the supporting example for the boundary maintenance function in the Functionalism theory?

Answer 10

Terrorist Attacks:
Events like 9/11, 7/7 bombings, Lee Rigby’s murder, and the Westminster Bridge attack triggered national unity and demand for action in both the US and UK. The ‘War on Terror’ response included new laws, detention powers, and military action. These reactions promoted Boundary Maintenance, reinforcing social norms and restoring social control.

Question 11

What is the Safety valve function?

Answer 11

Crime can be beneficial by acting as a release from life’s stresses, helping to maintain social order.

Example: Davis (1961) controversially suggested prostitution serves as a “safety valve”, allowing men to relieve tension without harming the family unit.

Question 12

How does this theory explain criminality?

Answer 12

This theory sees crime and deviance as functional, not focusing on root causes. According to Functionalism, a small amount of crime promotes Social Change, reinforces Boundary Maintenance, and serves as a Safety Valve. However, too much crime leads to Anomie and loss of social control.

Question 13

What are the 3 strengths of Functionalism?

Answer 13

1) its support for Durkheim’s idea that crime is inevitable. Crime exists in all societies, even highly ordered ones like Japan, showing that it is a universal and constant feature that serves a function in society.

2) use of real-life examples. Movements like the Suffragettes and Civil Rights show how crime can drive Social Change, while events like terrorist attacks promote Boundary Maintenance by uniting society.

3) one of the first theories to examine how social structures and institutions (e.g., family, education, law enforcement) influence behaviour. Unlike Biological or Individualistic theories, Functionalism offers a broader view by highlighting how these institutions help maintain social order through norm enforcement.

Question 14

What are the 3 weaknesses of the functionalism theory?

Answer 14

1) overemphasises positive functions of crime and ignores the harm to victims. For example, while terror attacks may promote Boundary Maintenance, Functionalists overlook the emotional and physical impact on victims and their families. justifies or encourage crime - unethical and less credible.

2) lack of empirical research. Unlike other criminological theories (e.g. Lombroso’s Atavism), Durkheim and other Functionalists rely on examples, not scientific evidence, reducing the theory’s credibility.

3) fails to explain the root causes of crime. It does not address why some individuals offend while others don’t, or explain different types of crime. By claiming crime is inevitable and functional without explaining how or why it begins, the theory lacks practical value and usefulness in addressing criminal behaviour.

Question 15

What is Mertons strain theory?

Answer 15

• that crime is caused by unequal social structures that create a strain between society’s goals and people’s ability to achieve them legitimately.

Question 16

What did Merton believe people were sold in life?

Answer 16

‘American Dream’—

the belief that success is achievable through hard work., not everyone has equal access to this dream.

Working-class face barriers like poverty, unemployment, and poor education, leading some to turn to crime as a way to cope with this strain and inequality.

Merton believed that to reduce crime, society must become more equal.

Question 17

What were the 5 different strategies Merton believed people would turn to?

Answer 17

1) Conformism (Non-criminal): People follow society’s norms and rules, aiming for success through legitimate means.

2) Ritualism (Non-criminal): Individuals follow rules without expecting success; they accept their position and settle.

3) Innovation (Criminal): People accept societal goals but use illegitimate means (e.g., crime) to achieve them due to blocked opportunities.

4) Rebellion (Criminal): Rebels reject society’s goals and values, creating their own, aiming to change society.

5) Retreatism (Can be Criminal): Individuals reject both goals and norms, often withdrawing from society, sometimes through criminal or deviant behaviour.

Question 18

How does the strain theory explain criminality?

Answer 18

Strain Theory explains that Innovators and Rebels are most likely to become criminals:

• Innovators use illegitimate means (e.g. theft, drug dealing) to achieve success when blocked by inequality like unemployment.
• Rebels reject society’s rules and create their own, often forming criminal or radical groups seeking social change (e.g. terrorist groups, Just Stop Oil).

— Retreatists may also turn to crime due to social isolation, engaging in behaviours like drug use, vagrancy, and anti-social acts after giving up on societal goals.

Question 19

What were the 2 supporting examples of the strain theory?

Answer 19

1) Brixton Riots (1981): Sparked by police brutality and racial tensions, the riots reflected a Rebellion response to strain from unemployment and discrimination, with participants rejecting social norms to demand social change.

2) London Riots (2011): Triggered by the police killing of Mark Duggan, the riots reflected both Rebellion (challenging police brutality and inequality) and Innovation (looting due to blocked access to goods from poverty and austerity).

Question 20

What are the 3 strengths of the Strain theory?

Answer 20

Supported by crime statistics- Strain Theory is backed by crime statistics, showing higher crime rates in low-income areas—e.g., in London (2022), 52% more crimes occurred in the most deprived areas, supporting Merton’s link between poverty, strain, and crime.

2. Explains a Range of Crimes: The theory explains various crimes using different responses to strain:
   • Innovation: economically motivated crimes like looting
   • Rebellion: actions of criminal gangs or radical groups (e.g. Just Stop Oil)
   • Retreatism: behaviours of vagrants and drug users
3. Identifies Root Cause: Unlike Durkheim, Merton explains that social inequality causes crime. By identifying strain as the root cause, the theory offers practical solutions, such as reducing deprivation to lower crime rates.

Question 21

What are the 3 weaknesses of the strain theory?

Answer 21

1) Ignores Middle/Upper-Class Crime: Strain Theory mainly explains working-class crime and cannot account for white-collar crimes (e.g. fraud, tax evasion) committed by those with access to success, reducing its general usefulness.

2. Lacks Scientific Evidence: Merton, like Durkheim, relies on examples (e.g. riots) but lacks empirical, scientific research, making the theory less credible compared to others like Eysenck’s or Sheldon’s.
3. Too Simplistic (Reductionist): The theory focuses only on social structure, ignoring biological (e.g. XYY syndrome) and psychological (e.g. Social Learning Theory) factors, making it an oversimplified explanation for complex criminal behaviour.

Question 22

What is the marxism theory?

Answer 22

focuses on social class division. It critiques capitalism, where the bourgeoisie (owners) exploit the proletariat (workers) by paying them less than the value they produce.

Marxism sees history as a class struggle between rich and poor, and predicts a proletarian revolution that would lead to Communism—a classless society with shared ownership of production.

Question 23

Marxists believe that crime occurs for two reasons - what were they?

Answer 23

1. Capitalism is Criminogenic
2. Selective Law Enforcement

Question 24

What does capitalism is criminogenic mean?

Answer 24

Marxists argue that capitalism is criminogenic, meaning it causes crime by creating economic inequality, poverty, and lack of opportunity for the poor.

Bonger (neo-Marxist) claimed capitalism promotes greed, selfishness, competition, and consumerism, encouraging people to act in self-interest, which can lead to crime.

Question 25

What is the supporting example of the marxism theory capitalism is criminogenic?

Answer 25

In 2017, Barclays was investigated for fraud and unlawful financial assistance after receiving £7 billion from Qatar, helping them avoid a UK government bailout. Though charges were later dropped, Marxists use this as an example of how capitalism encourages greed, with the bourgeoisie prioritising profit and control over legality or fairness.

Question 26

What is meant by the marxism term selective law enforcement?

Answer 26

Snider (1997) argues that the state avoids enforcing laws that harm business interests (e.g., pollution, tax avoidance), showing how the powerful often escape punishment while working-class crime is harshly policed and publicised. This creates a false consciousness, making people fear the poor rather than the bourgeoisie. Laws are made to protect capitalist interests, and because governments are part of the bourgeoisie, real change for the proletariat is unlikely. Some Marxists even claim government statistics are often false or misleading.

Question 27

What is the supporting example for the selective law enforcement part of marxism?

Question 28

What does selective law enforcement mean in the Marxism theory?

Answer 28

Snider (1997) argues that the state avoids enforcing laws that harm business interests (e.g., pollution, tax avoidance), showing how the powerful often escape punishment while working-class crime is harshly policed and publicised. This creates a false consciousness, making people fear the poor rather than the bourgeoisie. Laws are made to protect capitalist interests, and because governments are part of the bourgeoisie, real change for the proletariat is unlikely. Some Marxists even claim government statistics are often false or misleading.

Question 29

What are the 2 supporting examples for selective law enforcement in marxism theory?

Answer 29

1) Lavina Woodward (2017): An Oxford student stabbed her boyfriend while under the influence but avoided prison. The judge cited her lack of prior convictions, remorse, and being “an extraordinarily able young lady.” Marxists argue this reflects selective law enforcement, influenced by her elite status and access to a strong legal defence. 2) COVID-19 vs. Partygate: A 19-year-old student was fined £10,000 for a party during lockdown, while Partygate events at 10 Downing Street led to only small fines for government officials, including Boris Johnson. Marxists see this as evidence of one rule for the powerful (bourgeoisie), another for the working class (proletariat).

Question 30

What are the 3 strengths of the marxism theory?

Answer 30

1) claims are supported by other theories/real world cases - For example, Merton’s Strain Theory and the perspective of Left Realism both agree with the Marxist belief that Capitalism causes social inequality, and this inequality leads to crime. Their idea that Capitalism is Criminogenic can explain the crimes of the lower classes, such as the 2011 London Riots, with the capitalist value of consumerism. However, unlike other theories, it can also explain the crimes of the upper classes, such as the Barclays and Qatar case, by applying the capitalist value of greed. This wide range of support from other theories and real-world examples, increases the credibility of the Marxist explanation of crime. 2) wide range of evidence for concept of Selective Law Enforcement - . Research by Gordon found that the police are more likely to focus on working class areas and tackling working class crime. This could explain why crime statistics are higher in low income areas, as they are being selectively targeted by law enforcement. Furthermore, cases such as Lavinia Woodward clearly demonstrates how the criminal justice system serves the interests of the upper classes with leniency shown towards their crimes. Therefore, the law is clearly not applied equally to everyone in society, giving further credibility to the theory of Marxism. 3)provides a solution - For example, Marx believed that Capitalism was the root of all evil in our society including crime. Thus, the solution to crime is simple: remove Capitalism and replace it with Communism. Marx argued that a Communist system would remove social classes such as the bourgeoisie and proletariat, thereby creating equality and removing the need for crime. Furthermore, he believed that changing the social structure would remove the harmful Capitalists values of greed, selfishness and consumerism. Therefore, the theory of Marxism is arguably more useful than theories such as Functionalism, as it offers a solution that may actually tackle and reduce criminal behaviour.

Question 31

What are the 3 weaknesses of the Marxism theory?

Answer 31

1. Reductionist - ignoring other important influences on criminality such as ethnicity, age, gender, biological (genetic) factors, and individual (psychological or learned) behaviours. This makes its explanation of crime overly simplistic and less effective. 2. Deterministic - assumes that all working-class individuals commit crimes due to economic inequality, and that the upper class always exploits the system due to selective law enforcement. This ignores free will and the fact that many people from both classes choose not to engage in crime, reducing the theory’s overall usefulness. 3. Flawed Support - Marxism promotes Communism as a solution to crime, but historical and modern examples like the USSR and Cuba show that crime still exists under Communist regimes. This challenges the idea that Capitalism is the main cause of crime and weakens the credibility of Marxist solutions.

Question 32

What the the labelling theory about - Becker?

Answer 32

Labelling Theory = Social Reaction Theory / Interactionist Perspective. • Deviance is socially constructed, not inherent in the act. • Society’s reaction defines deviance; powerful groups create rules. • Being labelled causes Deviancy Amplification (more deviant behaviour). Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Deviant Career: • Labelling leads to a Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Deviant Career. • Master Status: criminal label overrides all other identities. • Causes rejection, outsider status, and loss of opportunities (e.g., jobs). • Leads to joining others in a Deviant Subculture for support.

Question 33

What are Beckers processes of labelling?

Answer 33

1.An act is committed by an individual (Primary Deviance) 2.A label is given to the deviant act and the individual (i.e. criminal) 3.The label becomes their full identity (Master Status) 4.The individual starts to live up to their label (Self-fulfilling prophecy) 5.More deviance occurs (Deviancy amplification aka. Secondary Deviance) 6. The label is then reinforced 7.They fully accept the label and turn to criminal pursuits (Deviant Career) 8.They join other ‘outsiders’ for support e.g. Gangs (Deviant Subcultures)

Question 34

How does this theory of labelling explain criminality??

Answer 34

The theory argues that a deviant/criminal is someone who has been labelled and stigmatised, and that criminal behaviour is created through social reaction rather than the act itself. Once labelled, individuals may experience a Self-fulfilling Prophecy, leading to a Deviant Career and joining a Deviant Subculture. Negative labels result in Deviancy Amplification, meaning that labelling encourages and increases criminality.

Question 35

What are the 2 supporting examples of the labelling theory?

Answer 35

1) Mods and Rockers (1964): In Clacton, two rival groups engaged in minor public disorder. Media labelled them as ‘Wild Ones’, ‘Thugs’, and ‘Vermin’, which led to a Self-fulfilling Prophecy. Six weeks later, thousands gathered in Brighton for violent riots. This supports Becker’s theory of Deviancy Amplification, where the negative labels escalated the criminal behaviour. 2) London Riots (2011): A peaceful protest in Tottenham over Mark Duggan’s death turned to minor disorder. Media labelled participants as ‘Yobs’ and ‘Thugs’, leading to a Self-fulfilling Prophecy. Over the next five nights, 15,000 people rioted, causing 5 deaths, injuries, and £250 million in damage, demonstrating Deviancy Amplification.

Question 36

What are the 3 strengths of Beckers labelling theory?

Answer 36

1) Supported by real-world examples like the Mods and Rockers (1964) and London Riots (2011), showing how social reaction and labelling increase crime and deviance. 2) Explains skewed crime statistics by showing how working-class people are more likely to be labelled, leading to more arrests. 3) practical applications - Critiques ‘Stop and Search’ policies, which disproportionately target young black men, leading to Deviant Careers and increased crime. Advocates for fairer, more effective policing.

Question 37

What are the 3 weaknesses of Beckers Labelling theory?

Answer 37

1)Assumes everyone reacts to labels the same way. Becker argues labels create a Self-fulfilling Prophecy, but some reject labels, showing Self-refuting Prophecy. This reduces the theory’s credibility as reactions differ. 2) Does not explain the root cause of deviance. It focuses on the effects of labelling but ignores why the initial deviant act occurs, limiting its usefulness. 3) reductionist: ignores structural factors like economic inequality and discrimination, and overlooks individual agency in criminal behaviour. This simplifies criminality too much.

Question 38

What is right realism based on?

Answer 38

based on more ‘Right-wing’ conservative beliefs

Question 39

What is left realism based on?

Answer 39

based on more ‘Left-wing’ liberal beliefs

Question 40

What is the right realism theory?

Answer 40

- Right Realists reject Marxist views and support capitalism. They believe crime destroys communities and social cohesion, particularly street crime. They have a harsh attitude towards criminals, advocating for tougher punishments and more social control. - Right Realists focus less on the causes of crime and more on making crime difficult and risky (e.g., more CCTV). They believe crime is mostly committed by lower working-class male juveniles, often black, in inner-city areas. They blame criminality on individual lack of self-control.

Question 41

According to Right Realists, what are the three main explanations for criminality?

Answer 41

1) Biological factors 2)Inadequate socialisation 3)Rational Choice theory

Question 42

What is the biological factors explanation for criminality According to Right Realists?

Answer 42

1. Biological Factors: Wilson and Herrnstein (1985) argue crime is caused by a mix of biological and social factors. Biological differences (e.g., hormones, personality traits) make some more prone to aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking. They also argue low intelligence contributes to crime, suggesting people are naturally selfish, impulsive, and greedy. This view is controversial, as it ignores structural issues like poverty.

Question 43

What is the Inadequate socialisation explanation for criminality According to Right Realists?

Answer 43

2. Inadequate Socialisation: Effective socialisation, especially from family, reduces crime risk. Murray (1990) argues crime rises due to an underclass failing to properly socialise children, especially in lone-parent families. He believes absent fathers lead boys to seek delinquent role models and gain status through crime instead of stable work.

Question 44

What is the rational theory explanation for criminality According to Right Realists?

Answer 44

3. Rational Choice Theory: Clarke (1980) states that crime is a rational choice based on the perceived rewards outweighing the costs. Right Realists argue that low perceived costs and weak punishments lead to higher crime rates. They advocate for harsher punishments, like longer prison sentences, to deter crime.

Question 45

What are the right realist solutions to crime?

Answer 45

Right Realism: Solutions to Crime Right realists focus on Rational Choice Theory, aiming to make crime less attractive by raising its costs. They do not believe in addressing biological differences or the challenges of socialisation. • Situational Crime Prevention: Protect specific targets (e.g., CCTV in shops). • Environmental Crime Prevention: Make areas more crime-resistant (e.g., more police on the streets). • Target Hardening: Use prisons more and ensure punishments follow quickly for deterrence. • Zero Tolerance Policies: Harsh punishment for crimes, like knife crime, with no tolerance.

Question 46

What is the supporting example for the right realism theory?

Answer 46

London Riots 2011: - began after police killed unarmed Mark Duggan. - peaceful protest escalated into 5 nights of nationwide unrest, looting, and damage. - Sentences were 25% harsher than usual. - 70% of offenders jailed (vs. normal 2%) - (Travis & Rogers, 2011) • Examples: • 6 months for £3.50 water and theft • 4 years for Facebook riot incitement - No similar riots since as Right Realists say harsh punishments deterred future crime.

Question 47

What are the 3 strengths of the right realism theory?

Answer 47

1) Practical Solutions: Unlike theoretical approaches (e.g. Marxism’s call for revolution), Right Realism offers realistic, practical crime prevention methods like Target Hardening and greater use of prisons, making it useful for tackling crime in the real world. 2) Proven Success: Right Realist methods like Zero-Tolerance Policing have been trialed with success, e.g. in Liverpool (2005) where violent crime fell by 38% and robberies by 23%. Their approach also showed success after the London Riots, adding credibility to the Rational Choice Theory. 3) Holistic Explanation: Right Realism isn’t overly reductionist. Theorists like Wilson and Herrnstein (1985) consider both biological (nature) and social (nurture) factors, offering a more complete explanation of criminal behaviour.

Question 48

What are the 3 weaknesses of the right realism theory?

Answer 48

1) cannot be used to explain all criminals: as the theory primarily focuses on working-class criminals, so Class Bias - Focuses mainly on working-class crime, ignoring upper-class white-collar crimes like fraud and tax evasion, making the theory less applicable to all types of offenders. 2) Rational Choice cannot be applied to all crimes: Assumes all crime is rational and planned, but fails to explain impulsive acts or crimes of passion, such as those committed under the influence of alcohol, reducing its credibility. 3) Ethical and Racial Concerns: Some Right Realist ideas are seen as discriminatory and racist, particularly in their focus on ethnic minorities and the controversial claims by Herrnstein and Murray linking crime to genetic inferiority, which undermines the theory’s objectivity and credibility.

Question 49

What is the left realism theory?

Answer 49

Left Realists agree with Marxism on inequality caused by capitalism, but support gradual reform rather than revolution. • They focus on the individual reasons behind criminal behaviour. • Emphasise how class, race, and gender inequalities contribute to crime. • Criticise other theories for being too theoretical and not addressing real-world crime. • Advocate for practical solutions, mainly by making society more fair and equal to reduce crime.

Question 50

According to Left Realists, what are the three main explanations for criminality?

Answer 50

1) Relative deprivation 2) Marginalisation 3) Subcultures

Question 51

What is the relative deprivation explanation for criminality According to left Realists?

Answer 51

Left realists: Lea and Young’s argues: • Crime stems from deprivation, but more specifically from relative deprivation — how people feel compared to others. • Despite being wealthier today, media and advertising raise expectations, making people feel poorer. • Pressure to keep up with others and resentment toward those with more can lead to criminal behaviour.

Question 52

What is the marginalisation explanation for criminality According to left Realists?

Answer 52

• Marginalisation happens when people lack the power and resources to fully participate in society. • Unemployed youth and ethnic minorities are especially affected, feeling powerless and ignored. • This leads to resentment and frustration, which can result in violence and criminal behaviour.

Question 53

What is the subcultures explanation for criminality According to left Realists?

Answer 53

as a consequence of relative deprivation and marginalisation some working-class and minority groups form deviant subcultures. - These arise from status frustration—feeling worthless and unable to achieve goals due to social inequality. - Subcultures provide a sense of belonging and offer illegitimate ways to reach aspirations. - They develop their own values and rules, often leading to conflict (e.g. rival gangs) and increased criminal activity.

Question 54

According to left realists what are their 2 main approaches to crime?

Answer 54

1. Intervention – identifying at-risk groups early and taking action to prevent offending. 2. Community-based approaches – involving local communities in tackling crime.

Question 55

What are the left realists solutions to crime?

Answer 55

• Early Intervention: e.g. the Perry Preschool Project in the USA, helping disadvantaged children. • Community Improvements: Better leisure facilities, housing, jobs, and living standards to reduce crime (Young & Matthews, 1992). • Improving Policing: Boost public trust to increase cooperation, as most crimes are solved with public help. • Reducing Inequality: Tackling social and economic inequality helps reduce relative deprivation and marginalisation, lowering crime.

Question 56

What is the supporting example for left realism theory?

Answer 56

The london postcode gangs - • The Metropolitan Police define gangs as street-based groups involved in criminal activity and violence. • London has 200+ active gangs, including the Mali Boys, Ghetto Boys, and Tottenham Mandem, linked to rising violence, knife crime, and murder. • These gangs claim specific territories based on postcodes, leading to violent postcode wars with rival gangs. • Members are often from marginalised groups (ethnic minorities, lower class) and join for belonging and power. • Their focus on money and possessions links to relative deprivation, a key concept in Left Realist theory.

Question 57

What are the 3 strengths of the left realism theory?

Answer 57

1) Support for key explanations -supported by real-world examples like the 2011 London Riots, the Suffragettes, and postcode gangs, showing how relative deprivation, marginalisation, and subcultures lead to crime. 2) Practical applications -Reducing social inequality could lessen feelings of deprivation and marginalisation, which would help reduce crime and deviant subcultures. Though gradual, solutions like improving education and job opportunities are more realistic than the abstract ideas suggested by Marxism. 3) Considers more factors than just absolute poverty - more complex view of crime by focusing on relative rather than absolute deprivation. Unlike other theories that link crime mainly to poverty, Left Realists argue it’s about feeling unfairly disadvantaged compared to others. This broader perspective makes the theory more useful in understanding criminal behaviour.

Question 58

What are the 3 weaknesses of the left realism theory?

Answer 58

1. cannot use it to explain all crime and criminals, focus on the criminality of the lower classes arguing that it is caused by relative deprivation and marginalisation fails to acknowledge that not all criminals experience these feelings. For example, upper class criminals commit White Collar Crimes are wealthy, influential and powerful people. loses credibility + effectiveness. 2. Deterministic - It assumes those facing deprivation will turn to crime, overlooking individual free will and the fact that not all disadvantaged people commit crime. 3. Impractical Solutions: While aiming for positive change, its proposed solutions (e.g., reducing inequality) require massive investment and systemic reform, making them difficult to realistically implement.