A summarised explanation of the left realist's perspective of crime and deviancy. In this document I explain key terms and key sociologists’ theories on the root causes of crime. I also explain how crime stems from marginalisation, subcultures and Late modernity and social instability.
Left Realism
Marxists blame capitalism for crime deferring blame from individuals.
Jock Young (1997)
If they always defend criminals, then society is intellectually bankrupt.
And lack practical and effective solutions of crime.
Previous left-wing theories blame powerful people for crime (Steve Jobs)
viewing the working class as victims of social influence. New left realist
focus on statistics that the working class commit more crimes and
disadvantaged groups are more likely to be victims.
Relative Deprivation
Runcian (1966)
Defines this as how poor people feel in relation to others leads to crimes
motivated by resentment. 2011 London riots supports this as people stole
high value items like TV’s because advertising creates unfulfilled desires.
Relative Deprivation Absolute Deprivation
Being poor compared to those around Absolute poverty lacking the four
you, lacking what others have basic needs
E.g. No access to the internet E.g. Food, clothing, warmth,
shelter
Subcultures
Influenced by Merton, Cohen and Cloward and Ohlin.
o Blocked opportunities and status frustration
o Deviant groups obsessed with attaining money through utilitarian
crime (steal to sell)
o Frustration and anger lead to expressive, non-utilitarian crimes.
Lea and Young argue the subculture of young Blacks is distinctly different
from their parents who largely accepted their marginalised position in
society. Black youth subculture has high material expectations and
aspirations: money and status symbols like flash cars, etc. So because
Black youth is so closely enmeshed in values of consumption, style and
wealth, this is precisely why they engage in crime – because of blocked
opportunities.
Marginalisation
Removing people’s sense of power and importance leading to frustration as
they have no voice or representation. This leads to people showing their
importance and power through crime.
Lea and Young argue that marginalisation means the process by which certain
groups find themselves on the edge of society. White and Black working-
class youth often feel alienated by schools, unemployment, low wages, the
police, etc. Young Black males face marginalisation through prejudice and
harassment e.g., 'military policing ‘(stop and search). They argue this may
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