Left Realism

• Left realism is the theory that crime stems from social inequalities and marginalisation of lower socioeconomic groups. > Advocates for structural changes and community-based interventions to address causes of criminal behaviour.
• Left realists believe that the causes of crime are the inequalities created by capitalist society.
• They believe practical measures need to be introduced to reduce crime and long-term changes towards a more equal society.
• They believe capitalism encourages levels of consumption but is unable to deliver all. Therefore, some people are motivated by consumerism & materialism and turn to crime to make up the shortfall.
• Examples of policies

  1. Job training & employment programs - aims at reducing crime by improving socioeconomic conditions of at risk populations.
  2. Drug treatment programs - policies that prioritise treatment over punishment for drug offenders. - Goal of addressing underlying addiction issues and reducing associated criminal behaviour.
• Strengths of Left Realism

  1. Explores the role of the victim of criminality, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable in wider society.
  2. Recognises that criminality has multiple causes.
  3. Left realism avoids the most extreme views that right realism & Marxism go for.
• Weaknesses of Right Realism

  1. Doesn’t explain why everyone in relative deprivation fails to turn to crime.
  2. Arguably just a theory that mixes all other approaches together.
  3. Fails to explain why white-collar, or corporate crime, is ignored.