Strength - Explores role of victim of crime especially poor or vulnerable in much more depth than other theories.
2 Limitations of Left Realism
Limitation - Fails to explain white-collar or corporate crime (like right realism).
Limitation - Arguably made up from a mixture of other theories pulled together.
What does left realism suggest?
Crime lies in the inequalities created by a capitalist society.
What do left realists believe?
Both practical measures to reduce crime and a long-term change towards a more equal, caring society are needed.
Left Realism and capitalism
Capitalism encourages levels of consumption but is unable to deliver to all so some people are motivated by consumerism and materialism and turn to crime to make up the shortfall.
What is needed is gradual social change + practical solutions to the problem of crime.
