Left realism theory of crime

Question 1

What do Left Realists believe causes crime?

Answer 1

Structural inequalities caused by capitalism

Question 2

Who are the key Left Realism theorists?

Answer 2

Young and Lea

Question 3

What does Young (1997) suggest are the main causes of crime?

Answer 3

• Relative deprivation
• Marginalisation
• Subcultures
• Status frustration

Question 4

What do Left Realists believe are the best approached for tackling crime?

Answer 4

• Early intervention for people who have the potential to offend
• Improving police-community relationships
• Community approaches like creating job opportunities, addressing wealth inequality and providing youth activities

Question 5

Strengths of Left Realism

Answer 5

• Recognises the social problems that contribute to crime
• Offers compassionate and practical solutions
• Avoids worst extremes of other right and left wing approaches (e.g. glorifying or attacking police)

Question 6

Weaknesses of Left Realism

Answer 6

• Not all people who fell deprived turn to crime
• Sees crime as a working class issue, ignoring high class crimes