What did Lea and Young identify as a phenomenon that drives people towards crime?

Lea and Young highlighted the concept of "blocked legitimate opportunities" as a key factor that drives individuals towards crime. They argued that when individuals and groups face barriers to accessing legitimate means for success—such as quality education, stable employment, and social mobility—they may resort to criminal activities as an alternative. This perspective aligns with their wider explanation of the relationship between crime and social structures, particularly in the context of relative deprivation, where individuals perceive themselves as disadvantaged compared to others.

In contrast, while political corruption, frequent media reporting of crime, and economic downturns can certainly influence crime rates or public perceptions of crime, they do not address the fundamental issue of opportunity access that Lea and Young emphasized. Their theory focuses more on the social and economic frameworks that limit individuals and push them to seek out crime as a viable option when legitimate pathways are obstructed. Thus, the identification of "blocked legitimate opportunities" provides a sociologically grounded understanding of why crime occurs in certain contexts, making it the correct choice in this scenario.