2.3 Sociological Theories of crime Right realism -political view

Question 1

What does right realism state criminal behaviour is caused by ?

Answer 1

They argue that the fear of crime has a big impact on peoples lives. They are looking for practical solutions to the crime problem.

Question 2

What do they want to happen to criminals ? (punishments)

Answer 2

TO become harsher, they want restrictions and controls put in place to prevent crime.

Question 3

Explain the rational choice theory ?
(first cause of crime)

Answer 3

We all decide whether to commit a crime based on a rational choice : we weigh up the risks and costs.
- Lower class young boys are most likely to commit these crimes for example shoplifting and robbery.

Question 4

Explain socialisation and the underclass ( second cause of crime )

Answer 4

Poor socialisation some people offend because they don’t have the right values and they don’t know how to behave.

Question 5

What is the main problem the socialisation and underclass theory state is ?

Answer 5

Too many single mothers having children without the father being present. This leads to too many unemployed mothers relying on state benefits. Which, encourages younger feels to wanting children and boys to take no responsibly for their child. Creating ‘perverse incentives ‘.

Question 6

What crimes are accounted for ?

Answer 6

Robbery, burglary , drug dealing , gangs , street crime.

Question 7

What crimes are not accounted for ?

Answer 7

Murder, white collar, technological.

Question 8

What are the strengths of this theory ?

Answer 8

-Helped shape and improve government researcher into crime.

-Offers practical solutions to crime.

-Supported by research that shows relationship between one parent crimes.

Question 9

What are weaknesses of this theory ?

Answer 9

• Relies on crime statistics that are not complete
  -ignores poverty as a structural cause of crime.
• Is a victim-blaming theory. If they weren’t poor then they wouldn’t be criminal.