Realist theories of crime

Question 1

How do right realists argue biological differences cause crime?

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
• Hernstien & Murray - the main cause of crime is low intelligence, which they see as biologically determined

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
• Murray calls the welfare states ‘Generous revolution’ of
• 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 - men no longer take responsibility for supporting families
• Absent fathers mean boys lack paternal discipline and appropriate male role models
• Males turn to often delinquent role models and gain status through crime rather than supporting their families with a steady job

Question 3

How do right realists argue that crime is a choice?

Answer 3

• Clarke - rational choice theory
• Individuals have free will and powers of reasoning
• 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
• Percieved costs of crime are relatively low, hence crime rates have increased

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)

Question 5

How do right realists argue crime should be tackled?

Answer 5

• Zero tolerance
• Wilson and Kelling - it is essential to maintain orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime. Any sign of deterioration such as vandalism should be dealt with immidiately
• Advocate for ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards undesirable behaviour such as prositution, begging
• Police should focus on controlling streets so law abiding citizens feel safe

Question 6

How do left realists argue relative deprevation causes crime?

Answer 6

Lea and Young expand on Runciman’s concept of relative deprivation (RD), which describes how individuals feel deprived compared to others. This perceived unfairness can lead to resentment and crime as people attempt to obtain what they believe they are entitled to.

Despite overall improvements in living standards, modern society has heightened awareness of relative deprivation due to media and advertising, which raise expectations for material wealth. Increasing inequality between the rich and poor fosters individualism, further intensifying feelings of deprivation.

Additionally, a growing emphasis on leisure, personal consumption, and immediate gratification fuels high expectations for the ‘good life.’ However, despite the ideology of meritocracy, the poor are often denied opportunities to attain the ‘glittering prizes’ of a wealthy society.

Question 7

How do left realists argue late modernity causes crime?

Answer 7

• Young
• We are now living in the stage of late modern society, where instability, insecurity and exclusion make crime worse
• Contrasts modern society with 1950’s-60’s, golden age of capitalist society, period of stability, inclusion, vast employment opporunities, low divorce rates and strong communities, general consensus about right and wrong, lower crime rates
• Since 70s, insecurity has increased,de-industrialsation and loss of unskilled jobs increased unemployment - jobs are now short term, low pay
• These changes destabilised family and community life

Question 8

How do left realists argue crime should be tackled?

Answer 8

• Kinsey, lea & young
• Police clear up rates are too low to act as a deterent to crime and that the police spent too little crime actually investigating crime
• The public must become more involved in determining the police’s priorities and style of policing
• Policing must be made accountable to local communities and deal with local concerns
• Police need to improve their relationship with local communities