Realist theory Flashcards
which sociologist is associated with the broken window thesis?
james wilson and george kelling
broken window theory
visible signs of disorder and neglect in a neighbourhood, such as broken windows and graffiti, can lead to an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour
what are the three causes of crime according to the left realists?
sub-cultures, relative deprivation and marginalisation
underclass
a social class made up of people who are poor and have very little power or chance to improve their lives
which sociologist is associated with rational choice theory?
wilson and hernstein
one criticism of right realist theory of crime
ignores white collar crime
one criticism of left realist theory of crime
focuses on high crime inner society
main theorist associated with left realist theory of crime
cloward + ohlin
relative deprivation
being deprived of something
Do they give solutions on how to deal with crime?
Yes
what are the three causes of crime according to the right realists?
rational choice, socialisation and biological differences
Right Realist View
They see street crime as a real and growing problem that destroys communities and undermines social cohesion. Right realists are less concerned with the causes of crime and more concerned with practical and realistic solutions to crime.
Right Realism (Biological Differences)
Wilson and Hernstein (1985) – they believe that crime is caused by a combination of biological and social factors. Believe that some people are more predisposed to crime through personality traits e.g. aggressiveness, extroversion. This mixed with poor socialisation or lack of role models leads to criminal behaviour.
Right Realism (Socialisation)
Charles Murray – believes that crime rates are increasing due to the growing ‘underclass’ of people who are dependent upon the welfare state. He believes that this underclass fails to adequately socialise their children. He argued that generations of young boys grew up without male role models and without the example of paid employment, leading to a criminal underclass of jobless, welfare-dependant, dysfunctional people
Right Realism (Rational Choice)
Ron Clarke – assumes that individuals have free will and the power of reason, therefore criminals have made a choice to commit crime. Argues that if the perceived cost of committing the crime is outweighed by the benefit, people will be more likely to offend. Current cost of crime = low = crime increased
Right Realism - tackling crime
Study
Target hardening = making it harder to commit crimes in the first place
Zero tolerance = criminal behaviour should be dealt with immediately
Broken Windows Theory = where there is one broken window left unreplaced there will be many
Right Realism Evaluation
- Police targeting certain groups e.g. ethnic minorities
- Control but no causes
- Ignores corporate and white collar crime
- Overstates rationality of the criminals = doesn’t explain violent behaviour
Left Realist View
They follow the Marxist view that society is unequal and this is what causes crime and deviance. Believe that in order to tackle crime, you first need to tackle the social problem.
Left Realism (Relative Deprivation)
Lea and Young – deprivation is at the root of criminality, not poverty. 1930s poverty was high but crime was low. Argue that as living standards have risen so has peoples feelings of being deprived compared to others. Can lead to resentment = people turning to crime so that they can achieve what they need to.
Left Realism (Marginalisation)
groups that don’t feel like they’re a part of society, and lack the goals and organisations to represent their interests. Leads to a sense of frustration = leads to crime = believe it will improve their situation
Left Realism (Subcultures)
Cloward Ohlin and Cohen – blocked opportunities and a groups inability to achieve goals through legitimate means
subcultures still subscribe to the goals and values of society such as materialism and consumerism e.g. Ghettos in America hooked on Gucci, BMW and Nike
Left Realism - tackling crime
Policies and strategies should focus on creating better relationships with the public and the police, and create a multi-agency approach
Consensus policing = public would work with the police rather than feel threatened by them and this would reduce crime and improve policing for communities
tackle social problems which lead to crime
Left Realism Evaluation
- Milovanovic = accepts the governments definition of crime being the street crime committed by the poor
- Assumes a value consensus
- RD cannot explain all crime as not all those that experience it go on to commit crimes
- Focuses on high crime inner city areas = gives an unrepresentative view of crime and makes it appear a greater problem than it is
