Realist Theories of Crime

Question 1

What is the main focus of right realism in crime prevention?

Answer 1

The main focus is on crime reduction through control, containment and punishment, rather than
on tackling the causes of crime.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by ‘zero tolerance policing’.

Answer 2

The police should deal with even the smallest signs of disorder, so that more serious crime will
not develop.

Question 3

Identify two biological factors that right realists see as important in causing criminal behaviour.

Answer 3

Low intelligence; personality traits such as extroversion and aggression; lack of impulse control.

Question 4

Why might a prosperous society be more likely to have high crime rates?

Answer 4

The availability of goods and the way they are advertised through the media makes people more
aware of massive differences in wealth, and raises expectations for all.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by ‘Marginalisation’.

Answer 5

The way in which some individuals are pushed to the edge of mainstream society and have no
political or economic voice.

Question 6

Explain what is meant by ‘Relative Deprivation’.

Answer 6

How deprived someone feels compared to others, or compared to their expectations.

Question 7

Identify three policy changes suggested by left realism to reduce crime.

Answer 7

Reducing economic inequality and insecurity; involving the public in policing policy (democratic
or consensus policing); developing a multi‐agency approach, using local organisations; ceasing
military policing that alienates the community.

Question 8

Identify two similarities between left and right realism.

Answer 8

Both deal with crime as a real problem; both take fear of crime into account; both consider the
victims.