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Sociological Theories of Crime: Interactionism, Left Realism, Right Realism for Kids

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Emily Finch

07/10/2025

Criminology

Criminology Unit 2 Interactionism notes (left and right realism)

505

7 Oct 2025

1 page

Sociological Theories of Crime: Interactionism, Left Realism, Right Realism for Kids

user profile picture

Emily Finch

@emilyfinch111

Overall Summary

Sociological theories of criminalityexplore different perspectives on... Show more

Criminology
SOCJOLOGICAL THEORIES of CRIMINALITY
INTERACTIONSSM (REALSSM)
Crime is a
Solutions rather
why it happens.
reality and society ne

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:

  1. 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.

  1. Marginalization: People who feel excluded from mainstream society may turn to crime out of frustration or as a means of coping.

  2. 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.



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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.

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iOS user

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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

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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

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Greenlight Bonnie

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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

 

Criminology

505

7 Oct 2025

1 page

Sociological Theories of Crime: Interactionism, Left Realism, Right Realism for Kids

user profile picture

Emily Finch

@emilyfinch111

Overall Summary

Sociological theories of criminality explore different perspectives on the causes and solutions for crime. This summary focuses on two main approaches: Left Realism and Right Realism. Left Realism emphasizes societal inequalities as the root cause of crime,... Show more

Criminology
SOCJOLOGICAL THEORIES of CRIMINALITY
INTERACTIONSSM (REALSSM)
Crime is a
Solutions rather
why it happens.
reality and society ne

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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:

  1. 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.

  1. Marginalization: People who feel excluded from mainstream society may turn to crime out of frustration or as a means of coping.

  2. 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.

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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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

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