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14 Dec 2025
•
AQA GCSE Sociology: Exploring Crime Perspectives
F
fola
@fola
1 / 3
Ethnicity and Crime: Different Perspectives
Ever wondered why crime statistics show such stark differences between ethnic groups? The reality is far more complicated than the numbers suggest, and sociologists have developed several theories to explain what's really going on.
Left Realists like Lea and Young argue that ethnic minorities, particularly young African-Caribbean men, face genuine disadvantages that can lead to crime. They identify four key factors: relative deprivation (feeling left out whilst others succeed), individualism, marginalisation, and subculture formation. Essentially, these young people are told to pursue material success like everyone else, but face blocked opportunities through poor schools, unemployment, and racism.
However, Marxist sociologists like Phillips and Bowling focus on how the system treats ethnic minorities unfairly. Since the 1970s, black communities have faced "military-style policing" - police stop and search black Britons 6 times more than white Britons. This hostile treatment creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where negative police labelling actually encourages the criminal behaviour they're trying to prevent.
Key Debate: Do ethnic minorities actually commit more crime, or are they just treated more harshly by police and courts? The Stephen Lawrence case highlighted serious institutional racism in how crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
Marxist Views on Crime and Social Control
Think about this: why do wealthy bankers who steal millions often get lighter sentences than desperate people who rob corner shops? Marxist criminologists argue this isn't coincidence - it's how capitalism deliberately works to protect the rich whilst controlling the poor.
According to Marxist theory, crime isn't caused by individual moral failings but by the massive inequalities that capitalism creates. The system encourages us to be materialistic consumers, wanting lifestyles we often can't afford. Meanwhile, the law is made by wealthy elites and designed to protect their interests - especially laws that protect private property and prevent working-class revolution.
David Gordon argues that police mainly focus on working-class areas whilst ignoring white-collar crime and corporate fraud. This "selective law enforcement" serves three purposes: it makes individuals responsible for systemic problems, removes troublemakers from society, and distracts us from the greed and immorality of the elite classes.
Lauren Snider points out that white-collar crime costs the economy far more than street crime, yet receives much lighter punishment. In China, financial fraud can lead to the death penalty - but in the UK, nobody was prosecuted for the banking crisis that cost billions in 2008.
Reality Check: Wealthy people can afford better lawyers and often avoid justice entirely. The law might be equal on paper, but it's applied very differently depending on your social class.
New Right Perspective on Crime
What if crime isn't about poverty or social inequality, but simply about poor choices and weak moral values? The New Right perspective, championed by sociologists like Charles Murray and James Wilson, takes a completely different approach to understanding criminal behaviour.
New Right theorists believe crime is primarily a serious social problem caused by selfish and wicked people, not poverty or social disadvantage. They argue that society is held together by shared values, and criminals are simply those who choose to step outside these boundaries. Wilson claims the criminal justice system has gone "soft" on criminals and needs to crack down harder, even on minor offences.
Charles Murray's underclass theory blames the welfare state for creating social problems. He argues that over-dependence on benefits "saps moral fibre" and threatens family values. Murray believes lone-parent families and long-term unemployment create an "underclass" that produces more criminals because children lack proper supervision and economic security.
The New Right makes an interesting distinction between crime and deviance - some illegal acts only exist because interfering politicians and bureaucrats want to control people's lives unnecessarily. However, when it comes to genuinely harmful behaviour, they believe in tough, practical solutions.
Counter-argument: Marxists would say that long-term unemployment isn't a personal failing but a structural problem of capitalism that creates winners and losers by design.
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Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
AQA GCSE Sociology: Exploring Crime Perspectives
F
fola
@fola
Crime and ethnicity is a complex topic that examines why certain ethnic groups appear more frequently in crime statistics and whether this reflects real differences in criminal behaviour or bias in the justice system. Understanding these different sociological perspectives will... Show more
Ethnicity and Crime: Different Perspectives
Ever wondered why crime statistics show such stark differences between ethnic groups? The reality is far more complicated than the numbers suggest, and sociologists have developed several theories to explain what's really going on.
Left Realists like Lea and Young argue that ethnic minorities, particularly young African-Caribbean men, face genuine disadvantages that can lead to crime. They identify four key factors: relative deprivation (feeling left out whilst others succeed), individualism, marginalisation, and subculture formation. Essentially, these young people are told to pursue material success like everyone else, but face blocked opportunities through poor schools, unemployment, and racism.
However, Marxist sociologists like Phillips and Bowling focus on how the system treats ethnic minorities unfairly. Since the 1970s, black communities have faced "military-style policing" - police stop and search black Britons 6 times more than white Britons. This hostile treatment creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where negative police labelling actually encourages the criminal behaviour they're trying to prevent.
Key Debate: Do ethnic minorities actually commit more crime, or are they just treated more harshly by police and courts? The Stephen Lawrence case highlighted serious institutional racism in how crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Marxist Views on Crime and Social Control
Think about this: why do wealthy bankers who steal millions often get lighter sentences than desperate people who rob corner shops? Marxist criminologists argue this isn't coincidence - it's how capitalism deliberately works to protect the rich whilst controlling the poor.
According to Marxist theory, crime isn't caused by individual moral failings but by the massive inequalities that capitalism creates. The system encourages us to be materialistic consumers, wanting lifestyles we often can't afford. Meanwhile, the law is made by wealthy elites and designed to protect their interests - especially laws that protect private property and prevent working-class revolution.
David Gordon argues that police mainly focus on working-class areas whilst ignoring white-collar crime and corporate fraud. This "selective law enforcement" serves three purposes: it makes individuals responsible for systemic problems, removes troublemakers from society, and distracts us from the greed and immorality of the elite classes.
Lauren Snider points out that white-collar crime costs the economy far more than street crime, yet receives much lighter punishment. In China, financial fraud can lead to the death penalty - but in the UK, nobody was prosecuted for the banking crisis that cost billions in 2008.
Reality Check: Wealthy people can afford better lawyers and often avoid justice entirely. The law might be equal on paper, but it's applied very differently depending on your social class.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
New Right Perspective on Crime
What if crime isn't about poverty or social inequality, but simply about poor choices and weak moral values? The New Right perspective, championed by sociologists like Charles Murray and James Wilson, takes a completely different approach to understanding criminal behaviour.
New Right theorists believe crime is primarily a serious social problem caused by selfish and wicked people, not poverty or social disadvantage. They argue that society is held together by shared values, and criminals are simply those who choose to step outside these boundaries. Wilson claims the criminal justice system has gone "soft" on criminals and needs to crack down harder, even on minor offences.
Charles Murray's underclass theory blames the welfare state for creating social problems. He argues that over-dependence on benefits "saps moral fibre" and threatens family values. Murray believes lone-parent families and long-term unemployment create an "underclass" that produces more criminals because children lack proper supervision and economic security.
The New Right makes an interesting distinction between crime and deviance - some illegal acts only exist because interfering politicians and bureaucrats want to control people's lives unnecessarily. However, when it comes to genuinely harmful behaviour, they believe in tough, practical solutions.
Counter-argument: Marxists would say that long-term unemployment isn't a personal failing but a structural problem of capitalism that creates winners and losers by design.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content: Social Structures
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user