crime causes LR

• Like marxists

  Left realists see inequality of capitalist society as the root cause of all crime
• Unlike marxists 

  They are reformists not revolutionary socialists; they believe in gradual reforms as the only realistic way to achieve equality.

  While Marxists believe only a future revolution can bring a crime free society, left realists believe we need realistic solutions for reducing it now.
• Criticisms of other theories

  Marxists concentrate on the crimes of the powerful and neglect the crimes of the working classes and its effects

  Neo-marxists romanticise working class criminals, whereas in reality they mostly victimise other working class people

  Labelling theorists see criminals as the victims of labelling. Left realists argue that this neglects the real victims
• Lea & Young: Causes:

  Relative deprivation: Crime happens when people feel that others unfairly have more, they may have to resort to crime to obtain what they feel entitled to. This happens due to the contrast between cultural inclusion and economic exclusion.

  Subculture: is the groups solution to the problem of relative deprivation. these subcultures dont necessarily lead to crime. eg might turn to religion

  However, might turn to a criminal subculture.
• Criticisms:

  • It over-predicts the amount of working-class crime: not everyone who experiences relative deprivation and marginalisation turns to crime.
• The unemployed youth are marginalised, with no organisation, clear goals, and a sense of resentment & frustration. Being powerless to use political means to improve their position, they express their frustration throough criminal means such as violence & rioting.