realism theories

Question 1

right realism (3)

Answer 1

• biological differences (wilson & hernstein)
• inadequate socialisation (murray)
• rational choice theory (clarke)

Question 2

biological differences (RR)

Answer 2

• wilson & hernstein= eg. heightened aggression, low intelligence causes crime
• solution= zero tolerance policing= tackling minor deviance eg. begging/ prostitution

ao3= ignores wider structural causes of crime eg. the unequal distribution of power & wealth

Question 3

inadequate socialisation

Answer 3

• murray= nuclear family is undermined by welfare state= a perverse incentive encourages spfs
• leads to dependency culture, forming a underclass, spfs usually lack male role model and discipline figure= more deviance

ao3: without this support from government, wc would still commit crime eg. theft ,as they’d be living in poverty

Question 4

rational choice theory

Answer 4

• clarke= individuals are rational with free will
• crime is a choice based on rational calculation of consequences and rewards
• crime rate is high because costa are low eg.little risk of being caught

solution= broken windows- dealt with immediately, target hardening- making it more difficult to commit crime

ao3= RR explanations are contradictory- how can someone have free will yet also be determined by their biology?
ZTP allows police to discriminate against minorities

Question 5

left realism (3)

Answer 5

• relative deprivation
• subcultures
• marginalisation (lea & young)

Question 6

relative deprivation

Answer 6

• when people feel others unfairly have more, they may resort to crime to obtain what they feel entitled to eg. theft
• the poor have access to media’s materialistic messages, but lack the opportunity to gain wealth

solution= remove the underlying cause- social inequality through structural changes

ao3= :) relative dep. is supported by merton’s blocked opportunities

Question 7

subcultures

Answer 7

-criminal subcultures subscribe to society’s materialistic goals but opportunities are blocked so they turn to crime

solution= offer alternative support to wc eg. religion

ao3= :) link to cohen and c&o’s sc that are a reaction to failure

Question 8

marginalisation

Answer 8

• wc have a sense of powerlessness/ frustration = violence, rioting
• lea & young= modern society the problem is worse due to greater job insecurity
• young= late modern society is a high crime society with a low tolerance for crime

solution= democratic policing kinsey, lea and young= police must become more accountable to gain support

ao3= :) draws attention to reality of street crime especially on disadvantaged grps