Realist Theories Of Crime

Question 1

Right realism- definition

Answer 1

Zero tolerance, conservative stance on crime

Question 2

Left realism-

Answer 2

definition reformists that favour policies to promote inequality

Question 3

Right realism views

Answer 3

Attitude to other theories- failed to solve problem
Concerned with practical solutions to reduce crime

Question 4

Right realist causes of crime

Answer 4

Biological differences- some groups more likely due to personality eg aggressive, risk taking.

The under class- inadequate socialisation. Family being undermined by generous welfare, creating a growing generation of people who cannot socialise their children properly. Lone parents- male delinquency.

Rational choice theory- rewards outweigh costs, motivated offender, suitable target and absent guardian

Question 5

Right realist solutions to crime

Answer 5

Zero tolerance policy

Bigger rewards for conformity and harsher punishment

Keep neighbourhoods orderly, any sign of deterioration must be dealt with immediately.

Question 6

Criticisms of right realism

Answer 6

Ignores structural causes of crime eg poverty
Over emphasises disorderly neighbourhoods
Crime was already falling before ZTP

Question 7

Left realist views

Answer 7

Gradual reform and realistic solutions
Marxists neglect working class crime, labellists see the criminal as the victim

Question 8

Left realist causes of crime

Answer 8

Relative deprivation - how deprived someone feels in relation to others. Eg cultural inclusion and economic exclusion
Subculture- they turn to crime because there is no opportunity to achieve legitimately
Marginalisation- unemployed youth are marginalised, no clear goals and have a sense of violence and powerlessness, they express through crime.

Question 9

Left realists- late modernity and crime

Answer 9

Working class crime is worse due to harsher welfare, destabilisation of family and community life, crime now appears in all aspects of society, resentment against working class eg asylum seekers, less consensus, public are less tolerant.

Question 10

Left realist solutions to crime

Answer 10

Democratic policing- police must become more accountable to local communities in deciding policies and priorities. Multi agency approach not just police.

Reducing inequality - remove underlying causes and tackle discrimination.

Question 11

Criticisms of left realism

Answer 11

Accepts authorities definiton of crime
Over predicts working class crime
Focusing on high crime inner cities makes it appear a bigger problem.