C&D- RIGHT REALIST THEORIES ON CRIME Flashcards
What do Right Realists believe causes crime?
Right Realists reject the link between poverty and crime, as crime rates were high during times of affluence and rise in living standards, and low during economic downturns. They argue crime is caused by biological differences, poor socialization and underclass values, and rational choice.
How do Dennis and Erdos support the Right Realist view?
Dennis and Erdos found low levels of criminality during the 1930s depression, when both unemployment and poverty were high, challenging the view that poverty directly causes crime.
What do Right Realists say about the elderly and crime?
Right Realists argue that the elderly, who are typically poor, don’t commit crimes, which further undermines the claim that poverty is a direct cause of crime.
What role do biological differences play in crime, according to Wilson and Herrnstein?
Wilson and Herrnstein argue that crime is caused by a combination of biological and social factors. Biological differences, such as personality traits (aggressiveness, extroversion, low intelligence, risk-taking, and low impulse control), make some people more predisposed to commit crime.
What does Herrnstein and Murray’s argument about low intelligence and crime suggest?
Herrnstein and Murray argue that low intelligence, which they see as biologically determined, is the main cause of crime.
How can biological predisposition to crime be reduced?
Biological predisposition to crime can be decreased through effective socialization, which teaches self-control and the difference between right and wrong. If socialization fails, it leads to criminality.
What does Murray say about the underclass and crime?
Murray argues that the crime rate is rising due to the growth of the underclass, which he links to welfare dependency. This culture leads to a decline in marriage and an increase in single mothers dependent on benefits, and men do not take responsibility for their children or work.
How does inadequate socialization lead to crime, particularly for boys?
Murray argues that single mothers, especially in the underclass, cannot socialize their children, particularly boys, effectively. Without positive male role models, these boys turn to negative role models who gain status through criminality, leading to delinquent behavior.
What does rational choice theory say about why people commit crime?
Rational choice theory argues that individuals have free will and commit crimes based on a rational calculation of the rewards and risks. If the perceived reward outweighs the potential cost, people are more likely to commit crime.
How does Clarke view crime in terms of rational choice?
Clarke believes crime is a rational choice, where people weigh the perceived reward against the risk of getting caught. He argues that due to soft policies and low risks of punishment, crime rates have increased.
What is Felson’s routine activity theory?
Felson’s routine activity theory suggests that for a crime to occur, there must be three elements: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. When these elements come together in time and space, crime is more likely to occur.
What are some examples of how routine activity theory works in real life?
For example, a drug addict in need of money (motivated offender) might target a car with valuables parked in a dark alley (suitable target) when there are no lights, CCTV, or people around (absence of a capable guardian).
What are the strengths of Right Realist theory?
Right Realist crime prevention proposals, like zero tolerance, ASBOs, increasing the number of police officers, stricter sentences, and building more prisons, have been influential.
What are the weaknesses of Right Realist theory?
Right Realism ignores wider structural causes of crime, such as poverty, and fails to explain non-utilitarian crimes like vandalism or white-collar crimes. Rational choice theory may explain utilitarian crimes, but it overlooks emotional, impulsive crimes like violence.
How do Right Realists contradict each other’s explanations for crime?
Wilson and Herrnstein claim that criminals are biologically predisposed to commit crime, while Clarke argues that criminals are rational actors who make calculated decisions to commit crime. These views seem contradictory.
