left and right realism-socialogical theories Flashcards
Left realists=
left wing (labour party)- come from a socialist political background
right realists =
right wing (conservative party)-come from a conservative political background.
right realist view on crime-
Mainly concerned with practical solutions to reduce crime (tagging, curfews)
. The best way to do so is through social control and punishment
what are they less likely to invest in ?
Less likely to invest in rehabilitation (skill improvement/frug programmes ext./prison is seen as punishment)
and tackling issues that cause crime such as poverty
Argue there are many causes of crime (can’t reduce it to poverty ext.)
Relation to theories =
Biological differences are more likely to be a right realist theory- e.g. Some individuals are more likely to commit crime (lambrusco’s activist form).
. They believe they are risk takers have a “personality type” (Eysenck)
supporting theories =
Murray-inadequete socialisation
rational choice theory
Murray- inadequate socialisation =
Criminals are inadequately socialised- haven’t been parented correctly (bad childhood)
. A nuclear family is best at socializing young people to reduce levels of criminality- teach them self-control and traditional values.
. The nuclear family is under threat from people depending on welfare benefits (dependency culture/benefit culture)
. Called single parents “dole scrounger
. Lone mothers cannot raise children successfully. If father is absent children cannot be taught discipline, and they don’t have a role model of someone who works hard.
Rational choice theory =
Right realists assume that criminals know exactly what they are doing and have made what they believe to be a rational choice.
. They believe if the rewards outweigh the risks, then crime is committed. Crime is rife because the cost of crime is low (sentences aren’t tough enough).
Left realism belief about crime=
The cause of crime is inequality within society
. victims are mainly disadvantaged groups (working class, ethnic minority, women)
. Crime rates are higher in working class areas were high levels of unemployment and deprivation are prevalent.
left realism thoeires =
Relative deprivation
Subcultures
Marginalisation
Relative deprivation =
relative deprivation refers to people thinking they are badly off in relation to others.
Two factors are increasing people’s sense of relative deprivation …
1) media= pumps out messages that urge people to aspire to material possessions- bulimic society
2) society becoming unequal due to cuts to benefits, unemployment, job insecurity and lower pay.
Subcultures =
The people who feel deprived in society form subcultures
. They share societies mainstream goals, but they have their legitimate opportunities blocked (poor education and employment opportunities) so resort to crime.
Marginalisation =
A marganilised group is one that lacks representation in society and lack clearly defined goals (example= unemployed youth)
. Workers have access to clear goals (good wages) and organisations to represent them (trade unions)
. Jobless youths lack this and so have a sense of powerlessness
. Frustration and resentment of injustice emerges
. This can be expressed through crime.
