Realist approaches to crime

Question 1

Right realism explanation - biological factors (Heirnstein and Wilson)

Answer 1

argue that biological differences between individuals make some individuals more likely to commit crime. For instance, personality traits such as aggression signify people who are at greater risk of offending. Low intelligence is also a contributing factor

Question 2

Right realism explanation - poor socialisation (Murray)

Answer 2

Murray argues crime is increasing due to the mounting underclass defined by their deviant behaviour

Question 3

Right realism explanation - rational choice theory

Answer 3

Clarke believes the decision to commit a crime is based on a rational calculation of consequences. If perceived rewards outweigh costs, people are more likely to offend

Question 4

Left realism explanation - relative deprivation (lea and young)

Answer 4

People who are deprived resent others who have what they want therefore turn to crime if they cannot obtain it
- American Dream

Question 5

Left realism explanation - marginalisation

Answer 5

Marginalised groups lack clear goals and organisations to represent them, which leads to frustration and resentment

Question 6

Left realism explanation - subcultures

Answer 6

Subcultures form as a collective solution to relative deprivation, and some may turn to crime in order to close the ‘deprivation gap’

Question 7

Right realism tackling - zero tolerance policing

Answer 7

A zero-tolerance policy to undesirable behaviour such as prostitution, begging and drunkenness. Police should patrol the streets and take a ‘short, sharp, shock’ approach, and carry out on stop and search on suspicious characters

Question 8

right realism tackling - broken window thesis (wilson and kelling)

Answer 8

it is essential to maintain orderly characteristics of neighbourhoods and reduce any signs of crime immediately

Question 9

right realism tackling - target hardening

Answer 9

If you make it harder to commit crime (Eg. by locking doors) this will reduce the rewards and act as a deterrent

Question 10

left realism tackling - policing and control

Answer 10

Policing must be made accountable to local communities, and need to improve their relationship with such communities by spending more time investigating crime, and involving the community in making policing policy

Question 11

left realism tackling - structural causes of crime

Answer 11

Reduce inequality of opportunity, discrimination and provide jobs for everyone