crime and deviance(right realism)

Question 1

what is rational choice theory?

Answer 1

If it is logical to commit crime and likely you will not get caught, people will choose to commit crime.

most criminals are rational actors.they conduct a cost benefit analysis.rewards for crime outweighs the cost of crime then crime is more likely to be commited.

risk of getting caught
rewards
punishments

Question 2

how does realist criminology differ from previous criminology?

Answer 2

abandon grand theories

they look for realistic solutions to crime-what can the government do now?

victim centered approach to crime

Question 3

what government is right realism associated with?

Answer 3

thatcher
1980s

Question 4

what are the main ideas of right realist criminology?

Answer 4

focus on the individual being responsible for crime and harsh punishments.

Question 5

what is routines activity theory and who proposed it?

Answer 5

Cohen and Felson

crime needs 3 conditions to take place

1.individuals who are motivated to offend
2.opportunity
3.lack of capable guardians such as the police to prevent crime.

if these things are encountered in there routines of their daily life then crime is more likely to be committed.

Question 6

what are some criticisms of rational choice theory?

Answer 6

1.rests on the fiction of the economic man who is continually looking for opportunities to maximise their personal gains
this does not consider the deeper meaning that may underlie reason

Question 7

what is broken windows theory?

Answer 7

Broken windows theory, tested in NYC with a major crackdown on smaller crimes like not having a ticket on the tube and drinking in public. This eventually led to a decrease in major crimes such as murder, however may have also led to more distrust of police.zero tolerance policing

Question 8

who did broken windows theory?

Answer 8

wilson and kelling’s