Sociological Theories of Criminality: Interactionism (Realism)
This page provides an overview of two major sociological theories of criminality: Left Realism and Right Realism. These theories fall under the broader category of interactionism, which focuses on practical solutions to crime rather than just theorizing about its causes.
Left Realism
Left Realism argues that crime is primarily due to inequalities in society. It identifies three main causes of criminal behavior:
- Relative deprivation: This occurs when people feel they don't have the same resources or opportunities as others, which can lead to criminal activities.
Definition: Relative deprivation refers to the perceived lack of resources or opportunities compared to others in society, potentially motivating criminal behavior.
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Marginalization: People who feel excluded from mainstream society may turn to crime out of frustration or as a means of coping.
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Subcultures: Individuals experiencing similar challenges may form deviant subcultures that engage in criminal activities.
Example: In single-parent families, young boys growing up without strong male role models might turn to crime as a way to assert their masculinity.
Right Realism
Right Realism, represented by Charles Murray, takes a different approach:
- It argues that crime is a result of the creation of an underclass in society.
- This theory suggests that the welfare state has created a dependency culture where people rely on benefits to live.
- According to Right Realism, the underclass develops deviant norms and values, which are passed on to their children.
Highlight: Right Realism views criminal behavior as a rational choice made by individuals, rather than a result of societal factors.
Limitations of Both Theories
The page also outlines several limitations of these theories:
- Not all deprived individuals turn to crime.
- Some wealthy people also commit crimes.
- Not everyone who feels marginalized engages in criminal activities.
- The theories don't fully explain why people in nuclear families commit crimes.
- Not all boys without fathers become criminals.
- The theories can be seen as stereotypical of the underclass.
- They don't account for female offenders, focusing primarily on male criminality.
Vocabulary: Underclass - A social group consisting of people who are reliant on welfare benefits and choose not to work, according to Right Realist theory.
These limitations highlight the complexity of criminal behavior and the need for a more comprehensive understanding of its causes and solutions.
