Realist theories

Question 1

How does Right Realist see crime

Answer 1

as a real + growing problem that destroys communities, undermines social cohesion

Question 2

What is the cause of crime according to right realist

Answer 2

. Biological differences
. Socialisation + underclass
. Rational choice theory

Question 3

How does biological differences lead people to crime according to Wilson + Herrnstein (Right)

Answer 3

it makes people innately more strongly predisposed to commit crime eg aggressiveness

Question 4

How does socialisation + underclass lead people to crime according to Murray (Right)

Answer 4

. underclass or ‘new rabble’ - defined by their deviant behaviour + fail to socialise children
. calls welfare state - ‘generous revolution’

Question 5

How does rational choice lead people to crime according to Clarke (Right)

Answer 5

committing crime is choice based - benefits overweighs costs = likely to commit

Question 6

How to tackle crime according to right realist

Answer 6

. make crime less attractive eg target hardening + crime deterrence
. Wilson - zero tolerance - cracking down minor infringement eg graffiti

Question 7

How does Left realist see society

Answer 7

unequal capitalist - believe in gradual change as a way to achieve greater equality

Question 8

What is the cause of crime according to left realist

Answer 8

. Relative deprivation
. Subculture
. Marginalisation

Question 9

How does relative deprivation lead to crime (Left realist)

Answer 9

Lea + Young - media = raise expectation + those who cannot afford, goes to crime

Question 10

How has late modernity made relative deprivation worse

Answer 10

. growing individualistic
. weakening of informal control
. growing economic inequality

Question 11

How does subculture lead to crime (Left realist)

Answer 11

opportunities to achieve legitimately blocked = resort to street crime

Question 12

How does Marginalisation lead to crime (Left realist)

Answer 12

express their frustration through criminal means such as violence and rioting

Question 13

What was the ‘Golden age’ of modern capitalist

Answer 13

period of stability, security and social inclusion - there was a general consensus about right and wrong and lower crime rates

Question 14

what are the solutions to crime according to left realist

Answer 14

. provide information for the youth
. differences in level of income, wealth and power reduced
. improving life chances