Realist theories of crime Flashcards
Realist approach
Focus on the real problems of crime rather than why crime happens
How do they view street crime?
They view street crime as harmful and destructive of society
Criticisms of labelling
Labelling is too empathetic on offenders. Realists focus on the real impacts on the victims
Origins of realist theories
70’s and 80’s during conservative governments to tackle their ideas of punishment and control
Biological differences as a cause
Wilson and Herrnstein state traits such as aggression and low impulse control cause more offending.
They argue unintelligence is the main cause of offending and is biological
Socialisation and the underclass
Socialisation decreases offending risk. The Nuclear family is the best socialisation agency. Murray argues crime rate is increasing due to the underclass, those who are defined by their deviance, have grown due to welfare dependency
Socialisation and the underclass; welfare state and lone mothers
The Generous Revolution caused welfare dependency to increase, which decreases marriage and increased lone parenthood. Men no longer have responsibilities in the household and can work less.
Lone mothers are the worst socialisation agents, as boys miss out on male role models and turn to street role models who promote delinquency and status through deviance
Rational choice theory
Assumes free will and reason. Clarke states the decision to offend is based on calculation of consequence. If rewards of crime outweigh rewards of non-crime, offence will happen. Perceived cost of crime low = increased crime rate
Routine activity theory
Felson argues for a crime to occur, there must be an offender, target and absence of capable guardians. Guardians will deter offence.
Criticisms of right realism
Ignores poverty
Overstates offenders rationality, it doesn’t explain violent crime
Rationality conflicts with biological factors
Over-emphasis on biology; IQ differences account for 3% of offending
