Realist theories of crime Flashcards
How do realist approaches differ from other theories of crime?
Not only look at the causes of crime but also give practical solutions on dealing with crime
Outline the left realist POV on crime
Follows the Marxist view that society is unequal and this is what causes crime of deviance. Believe in gradual change rather than overthrow of capitalism
Looks at causes and solutions to crime (with interactionist)
Outline right realist POV on crime
Less concerned with causes of crime and more concerned with practical and realistic solutions to crime. See street crime as a real problem that destroys communities and undermines social cohesion.
Outline 3 causes of crime (left realist)
1) Lea and Young: Relative Deprivation
Deprivation is the root of criminality, not poverty. Living standards have risen, so people have feelings of resentment over deprivation compared to others. Turn to crime to achieve what they feel they are entitled to.
2) Marginalisation:
Marginalised groups do not feel a part of main society, so lack the goals and organisations to express their interests. Sense of frustration/ resentment over situation so turn to crime as a way to improve their positions.
3) Subcultures (Cloward/ Ohlin)
Collective response to deprivation. Still subscribe to the main goals of society, but due to blocked legitimate opportunities turn to crime
Outline left realism solutions to crime (3)
1) Relative Deprivation- Social Security
Providing benefits + facilities to lessen feelings of relative deprivation + adopt more legitimate means of obtaining goals
2) Social + Community Prevention
3) Improving Opportunities
More access to education/ employment allows people to obtain status through legit means > crime
Evaluate left realism pov on crime
1) Interactionists- does not explain motivation of crimes due to reliance on quantitative data
2) Assumes value consensus
3) Relative deprivation cannot explain crime as not all who are relatively deprived commit crime
Outline the 3 causes of crime (Right realism)
1) Underclass/ socialisation (Murray)
Crimes increasing due to growing underclass who are dependent on the welfare state. Underclass transmit culture of worklessness to children, more inadequate family structures i.e lone parents
2)Broken Windows Theory (Wilson/ Kellings)
3) Rational Choice Theory- Clarke
Assumes individuals have free will and power to make the choice to commit crime. Perceived costs < perceived profits so people will offend. Right realists believe the current costs of crime are too low
Outline 3 solutions to crime (right realism)
1) Situational Crime Prevention
2) Environmental Crime Prevention
3) Parenting Classes: ie socialise kids etc
