Realist approaches to crime

Question 1

Right Realism - Explanations for Crime (Biological factors)

Answer 1

Hernstein and Wilson argue that biological differences between individuals make some individuals more predisposed to crime. For instance, personality traits such as aggression and low impulse control signify people who are at greater risk of offending. In addition, low intelligence is also a contributing factor.

Question 2

Right Realism - Explanations for Crime (Poor Socialisation)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Right Realism - Explanations for Crime (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 - Explanations for Crime (Relative Deprivation)

Answer 4

Lea and Young argue that relative deprivation leads to crime because people who are deprived resent others having more material goods than them, thus resorting to illegitimate means to achieve the same level of materials.

Question 5

Left Realism - Explanations for Crime (Subcultures)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Left Realism - Explanations for Crime (Marginalisation)

Answer 6

Marginalised groups lack clear goals and organisations to represent them, which leads to frustration and resentment. In turn, they express this frustration through criminal acts such as violence and rioting.

Question 7

Right Realism - Tackling Crime (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 Crime (Wilson & Kelling)

Answer 8

The broken window thesis - it is essential to maintain orderly characteristics of neighbourhoods and reduce any signs of crime immediately.

Question 9

Right Realism - Tackling Crime (Target Hardening)

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Left Realism - Tackling Crime (Policing & 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 Crime (Tackling structural causes of crime)

Answer 11

Reduce inequality of opportunity, discrimination and provide jobs for everyone.