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Left Realism Overview
A socialist perspective arguing that inequality in a capitalist society causes crime, with disadvantaged groups (working class, ethnic minorities, and women) as the main victims.
Key Causes of Crime (Lea & Young)
Relative deprivation, subcultures, and marginalisation are the three main factors leading to crime.
Relative Deprivation
Crime occurs when people feel worse off compared to others. Even if living standards improve, people may still feel deprived if they see others with far greater wealth. Left realists argue that modern society, particularly through media exposure, makes people constantly compare themselves to the rich, intensifying feelings of unfairness. This can lead to frustration and, in some cases, crime as individuals try to obtain what they believe they are entitled to.
"A culture hooked on Gucci, BMWs, Nikes" (Young)
Young describes how the media fuels consumerism by promoting expensive brands, making people aspire to wealth they cannot attain. This media-driven pressure increases relative deprivation, as people feel left behind if they cannot afford luxury items. When combined with economic insecurity (such as low wages or unemployment), some individuals resort to crime to access the lifestyle they see advertised.
Relative Deprivation Downwards
Some wealthier individuals feel resentment towards disadvantaged groups, believing they receive "undeserved" support. This frustration can result in hostility towards groups such as asylum seekers, disabled people, and welfare recipients, who are perceived as unfairly benefiting at the expense of others. Left realists argue that this contributes to social division and tension.
Subcultures and Crime
Groups develop subcultures as a response to relative deprivation. Some share mainstream materialistic goals but, when blocked from legitimate success, turn to crime. For example, inner-city youths may struggle to access well-paid jobs due to poor education or discrimination. As a result, they may engage in criminal activities as an alternative route to financial success. However, not all subcultures turn to crime—some find non-criminal ways to cope, such as religion.
Religion as an Alternative Subculture
Some disadvantaged groups turn to religion instead of crime to cope with deprivation, seeing their struggles as part of "God's will." Religious belief can provide comfort and a moral framework that discourages criminal behaviour, reinforcing social cohesion rather than leading to deviance.
Marginalisation and Crime
Marginalised groups lack clear goals and representation, making them feel powerless and frustrated. Unlike workers (who can demand better wages through trade unions), groups like unemployed youth have no organised way to voice their concerns. This frustration often leads to crime, such as rioting and violence, as a form of expression against perceived injustice.
Police Reform
Left realists advocate for a fairer, more community-focused police force to rebuild public trust and improve crime reporting. They argue that if the police worked with communities rather than being seen as a force of oppression, people would be more willing to cooperate, making policing more effective in preventing crime.
Crime Reduction Strategy
Left realists argue that reducing crime requires making society fairer and more equal. They propose that crime prevention should not rely solely on the police and government but should involve partnerships between multiple agencies, including schools, social services, and local communities. This philosophy influenced policies under the Tony Blair government, captured in the slogan: "Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime."
