Left Realist Theories

Society is unequal and designed to support capitalism. Believe in gradual social change. Practical strategies for reducing crime 

Relative Deprivation - How someone feels in relation to or compared to others of their own expectations. Resentment due to unfairness that others are better off than them. Lea & Young = people are more prosperous and have higher standards of living, the media and adverts = increase pursuit of interest.

Marginalisation = Young people feel marginalised, they have little/ no power and no organisation to represent their interest, no goals. High unemployment, frustration = crime. 

Subculture = Blocked oppurtunities to achieve goals legitimately, creates different subcultures for different solutions of crime or religion offers spiritual comfort, what Weber 'Theodicy of Disprivilege'

:) - It draws attention to the reality of street crime. 

:( - Interactionists argue that they rely on quantitative data which doesn't explain offenders motives.

Media adverts raise expectations of obtaining consumer goods creating social, cultural and economic inclusion = Bulimic society where individuals 'Gorge' on capitalist goods. (Archer's Symbolic Capitalism). 

Government Policy 

New Labour 'Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime'. Firm approach to policing hate crime = protecting the vulnerable. Young argues that these policies are doomed attempts to recreate the 'Golden Rule' e.g, The New Deal didn't secure permanent jobs. 

Tackling Crime = Social and community crime prevention. Intervention and community based approaches.. Neighbourhood watch schemes, multi-agency and PACT = Democratic policing and reforms.