Realism

Question 1

Left Realism

Answer 1

Suggests that crime lies in inequalities created in a capitalist society
Offers practical measures to reduce crime (cameras, patrolling officers)

Question 2

Left Realism Strengths

Answer 2

Explores the role of the victim
Recognises multiple causes of crime
Avoids glorification/villainization of police

Question 3

Left Realism Weaknesses

Answer 3

Doesn’t explain why not all depraved people turn to crime

Can’t explain White-collar/ Corporate Crime

Question 4

Right Realism

Answer 4

Poverty & Inequality are the roots of crime
Biological reasoning (Wilson and Hernstein, Biosocial theory)
Inadequate Socialisation is a cause of crime
Individuals rational choice to re-offend

Question 5

Right Realism Strengths

Answer 5

A more practical approach to tackling crime

Question 6

Right Realism Weaknesses

Answer 6

Fails to explain white-collar crime
Ignores Wider Structural Causes of Crime
Ignores divide between classes