[4.0] Right realism

Question 1

How does right realism see crime?

Answer 1

As a real and growing problem that can destroy communities and undermine social cohesion.

Question 2

Where has the right realist approach been very influential?

Answer 2

In the UK and the USA.

Question 3

A shift towards what took place under right realist governments?

Answer 3

A shift towards controlling crime rather than explaining it.

Question 4

How do right realists see other theories such as labelling theory?

Answer 4

They see them as too sympathetic to the criminal and too hostile to the forces of law and order.

Question 5

What are the three factors that crime is a product of?

Answer 5

1. Individual biological differences.
2. Inadequate socialisation and the underclass.
3. Rational choice to offend.

Question 6

In the view of Wilson and Hernnstein (1985), what is crime caused by?

Answer 6

A combination of biological and social factors.

Question 7

How do biological differences affect people in terms of crime?

Answer 7

Biological differences make some people more predisposed to commit crime, through traits such as aggressiveness, extroversion, risk taking and low impulse control.

Question 8

What do Wilson and Hernnstein (1985) see the main cause of crime as?

Answer 8

Low intelligence, which they see as biologically determined.

Question 9

What decreases the risk of crime?

Answer 9

Effective socialisation, such as learning self-control and internalising moral values of right and wrong.

Question 10

Why does Murray (1990) argue that crime is increasing?

Answer 10

Due to a growing underclass who are defined by their deviant behaviour and fail to socialise their children properly.

Question 11

What does Murray (1990) state that the welfare state has caused?

Answer 11

It’s ‘generous revolution’ since the 1960s has allowed increasing numbers of people to become dependent on the welfare state which has caused more single parent families and the decline of marriage.

Question 12

Which values does the underclass undermine?

Answer 12

The values of hard work and personal responsibility.

Question 13

What does rational choice theory assume?

Answer 13

It assumes that individuals have free will and the power of reason.

Question 14

What does Clarke (1980) argue the decision to commit crime is based on?

Answer 14

A rational calculation of the likely consequences, if the rewards outweigh the consequences, crime will be committed.

Question 15

Which three aspects need to be present for crime to be committed according to Felson (1998)?

Answer 15

A motivated offender, a suitable target and the absence of a capable guardian.

Question 16

How do right realists tackle crime?

Answer 16

By making it less attractive, and punishing offenders.

Question 17

What does Wilson and Kelling’s (1982) Broken Windows research suggest?

Answer 17

It is essential to maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods, and deal with any signs of deterioration immediately to prevent crime.

Question 18

What kind of policy is advocated to target undesirable behaviour?

Answer 18

A zero-tolerance policy.

Question 19

What would use of target hardening do?

Answer 19

Increase the costs and reduce the rewards of crime.

Question 20

Criticise right realism in three points.

Answer 20

1. It ignores wider structural causes of crime such as poverty.
2. The view that people are rational actors conflicts with the idea that criminals are biologically motivated.
3. A zero-tolerance policy gives free rein to discriminate against some groups and displaces crime to other areas.