Last Updated on June 11, 2025 by Karl Thompson
An answer to an AQA A-level sociology paper three 10 mark question on crime and deviance.
The question was: Analyse two reasons the lower classes may be more likely to be victims of crime than middle or elite classes. (10)
Analyse two reasons for social class differences in becoming a victim of crime
Social class differences in deprivation and limited access to resources
As Item A notes, social classes experience different levels of deprivation, and this directly impacts victimisation rates. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to live in areas with fewer resources and higher levels of poverty, which increases their exposure to crime. Left realists argue that relative deprivation can create feelings of frustration and marginalisation among the working class, leading to criminal behaviour in deprived neighbourhoods. However, these same communities are also more likely to be the victims of such crime, as they live in closer proximity to offenders and lack the financial means for private security or safer housing.
For example, working-class individuals are more likely to be victims of burglary and street crime, partly because they live in poorly secured environments where public investment in policing is limited. Marxist criminologists further support this, arguing that the state and legal system are structured to protect the property and safety of the ruling class, leaving the working class more vulnerable to both crime and inadequate protection from it. Therefore, structural inequalities and deprivation both increase the chances of victimisation among the working class.
Higher levels of violence committed by people from lower socio-economic backgrounds
Item A highlights that violent crime is more frequently recorded among individuals from poorer backgrounds. This increases the risk of people in these same communities becoming victims of violence. Victimology research shows that people living in working-class areas are significantly more likely to be victims of violent offences, such as assault or domestic violence. This is not necessarily because working-class people are more criminal, but rather because socio-economic conditions—such as unemployment, overcrowding, and poor mental health—contribute to higher stress levels and potential for conflict.
According to positivist victimology, certain groups have lifestyle or structural characteristics that increase their vulnerability to being victims. For example, living in inner-city areas or council estates, where crime rates tend to be higher, exposes individuals to more violence. Left realists also emphasise the concept of subcultures, which develop in response to deprivation. Some subcultures may normalise violence as a form of expression or conflict resolution, further raising victimisation risks within the community. Therefore, higher levels of violence among deprived populations do not just reflect offending behaviour but also explain why those within these communities are disproportionately victimised (more here; and here).
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This question is from the June 2022 paper 3.