Realist theories and Crime Flashcards
What do realists believe about crime?
Realists see crime as a real problem to be tackled, not just a social construction created by control agencies.
What do all realists argue regarding crime rates?
They argue that there has been a significant rise in the crime rate, especially in street crime, burglary, and assault.
What concerns do realists have about crime?
They are concerned about the widespread fear of crime and its impact on victims.
What do realists think about other theories of crime?
They argue that other theories have failed to offer realistic solutions and propose practical policies to reduce crime.
What is Right Realism’s view on street crime?
Right realists see street crime as a growing problem that destroys communities and undermines social cohesion.
What do right realists reject as causes of crime?
They reject structural or economic factors like poverty and inequality as causes of crime.
What are the three factors that right realists believe contribute to crime?
Individual biological differences, inadequate socialisation, and the individual’s rational choice to offend.
What is the biosocial theory of criminal behavior?
Wilsson and Herrnstein argue that crime is caused by a combination of biological and social factors.
What biological differences do right realists identify as risk factors for crime?
Personality traits such as aggressiveness, extraversion, risk-taking, and low impulse control.
What does effective socialisation involve according to right realists?
It involves learning self-control and internalising moral values of right and wrong.
What does Charles Murray argue about the underclass?
He argues that the crime rate is increasing due to a growing underclass that fails to socialise their children properly.
What is Rational Choice Theory?
It assumes individuals have free will and make rational calculations about the consequences of crime.
What do right realists believe about the perceived costs of crime?
They argue that the perceived costs of crime are low, leading to an increase in crime rates.
What is Felson’s Routine Activity Theory?
For a crime to occur, there must be a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
What are some criticisms of right realist theory?
It ignores wider structural causes, overstates offender rationality, and conflicts with its biological determinism.
What is the right realist approach to tackling crime?
They focus on practical measures to control, contain, and punish offenders rather than addressing root causes.
What is Zero Tolerance in policing?
It advocates for immediate action against signs of disorder to prevent crime from taking hold in neighborhoods.
What does Jock Young argue about Zero Tolerance success?
He claims its success is a myth, as crime rates were already falling before its introduction.
What are criticisms of Zero Tolerance policies?
It focuses on petty crime, allows police discrimination, and leads to crime displacement.
What do left realists believe about society?
They see society as an unequal capitalist one and advocate for gradual change rather than violent overthrow.
What are the three related causes of crime identified by left realists?
Relative deprivation, subculture, and marginalisation.
What is relative deprivation?
It refers to how deprived someone feels in relation to others, leading to resentment and potential crime.
What is the lethal combination for crime according to Young?
Relative deprivation and individualism.
How do left realists view subcultures?
Subcultures are seen as collective solutions to relative deprivation, with some turning to crime.
What is the issue with marginalised groups?
They lack clear goals and representation, leading to frustration expressed through criminal means.
What do left realists propose for tackling crime?
They advocate for improved policing and addressing deeper structural causes of crime.
What is the role of the public in policing according to left realists?
The public must be involved in determining police priorities and styles of policing.
What do left realists argue about structural causes of crime?
They believe major structural changes are needed to reduce crime, addressing inequality and discrimination.
How have left realists influenced government policy?
Their views align with policies aimed at being tough on crime and its causes, such as anti-social behaviour orders.
What are some evaluations of left realism?
It highlights street crime effects but is criticized for accepting authorities’ definitions and focusing on inner-city crime.
