An Examination of Property Crime in Light of Left Realism's Theoretical Capacity

Abstract

This article reviews property crime through the concept of left realism by focusing on the basic principles of left realists. This paper explores the influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on property crime within the framework of left realist theory, highlighting the complex dynamics between these elements and crime rates in England and Wales. It critiques the reliability of crime statistics, suggesting that they might exaggerate or fail to capture the true state of property crime and its relationship with unemployment. The analysis also considers unemployment as a source of relative deprivation, potentially exacerbating property crime and victimization in the absence of adequate opportunities and support systems. However, the paper acknowledges that other factors, such as effective policing, criminal justice measures, and social provisions, may also play significant roles. It further examines how demographic factors, particularly in socially marginalized and economically deprived areas, can contribute to higher rates of property crime and increase the number of victims. Left realism provides valuable insights into the underlying causes of property crime and its victimization, advocating for a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond conventional analyses to address the root conditions of environmental deprivation and their impact on vulnerable communities even though left realism has weaknesses. Keywords: Left realism, property crime, unemployment