Realist theories of crime

Question 1

Right

Biological differences

Answer 1

• Wilson and Hernstein
• Biosocial theory of criminal behaviour, combinatiion of biological & social factors
• Bio differences between some people make them more innately prediposed to commit crime more than others
• Personality traits such as aggressiveness, low impulse control - greater risk of offending

Question 2

Socialisation & the underclass

Answer 2

• Murray
• Crime is increasing because of a growing underclass who are defined by their deviant behaviour & fail to socialise their children effectively
• ‘Generous revolution’ of welfare state, allows increasing numbers of people to become depdent on the state
• Led to decline of marriage, more lone parent families who are ineffective socialisation agents

Question 3

Rational choice theory

Answer 3

• Clarke
• The decision to commit a crime is a choice based on a rational calculation of the likely consequence
• If the perceived rewards of the crime outweigh those of non-criminal behaviour, people will be likely to offend

Question 4

Routine activity theory

Answer 4

• Felson
• For a crime to happen, there must be a motivated offender, suitable target (or victim) and the absense of a capable guardian (police officer)