strengths and weaknesses of left realism

Strength of left realism

It shows the importance of poverty in understanding criminality. This can be seen in Lea and youngs study In which they suggest that poverty causes crime because of relative deprivation, Marginalisation and subculture.

Weakness of left realism

It may be argue that it is too focused on poverty. People make a crime such as criminal damage because of revenge or because of a dog eat dog society

Strength of left realism

It provides an understanding of crimes committed by individuals and groups. This can be seen in Lea and youngs study in which they suggest that people living in poverty may turn to subcultures (groups with their own norms and values) In response to their frustrations.

Weakness of left realism

It could be argued that they are too focused on working class committing crimes. This doesn’t explain criminals and crimes such as white collar crime

Strength of left realism

It focuses on victims of crimes. Other theories such as Right realism focused too much on the offender without consideration of the impacts on the victim.

weakness of left realism

It over predict the amount of working class crime. Not everyone who is marginalised will turn to crime, they may conform to legitimate means.