realist theories of crime

Question 1

what are 3 right realism explanations to crime

Answer 1

1. biological factors - biological differences between individuals make some more interested in crime, eg personality traits like aggression and low impulse control put people at greater risk of offending. low intelligence is also a factor
2. poor socialisation - MURRAY argues crime is increasing due to the WC being defined by deviant behaviour
3. rational choice theory - CLARKE believes the reason to commit a crime is based on calculation of consequences, if the rewards outweigh the costs, people are more likely to offend

Question 2

what are 3 left realism explanations to crime

Answer 2

1. relative deprivation - LEA + YOUNG argue RD leads to crime because people who are deprived resent others for having more material goods so resort to illegitimate ways to get them
2. subcultures - form as a collective solution to relative deprivation and some may turn to crime in order to close the ‘deprivation gap’
3. marginalisation - marginalised groups lack clear goals and organisations to represent them, leading to frustration and resentment which is expressed as frustration through criminal acts of violence or rioting

Question 3

2 ways right realism tackles crime

Answer 3

1. zero tolerance policing - zero tolerance to behaviours, eg begging or prostitution
2. WILSON - broken window theory

Question 4

1 way left realism tackles crime

Answer 4

policing and control - policing must be made accountable to local communities and needs to improve their relationship with such communities by spending more time investigating crime