Right/Left-Realism Flashcards
What is Right Realism?
Right realism is a criminological perspective that emerged in the 1970s, critiquing sociological theories for failing to address crime.
What is the core belief of Right Realism regarding human nature?
Right realism holds a negative view of human nature, asserting that people are inherently selfish and greedy.
What does Rational Choice Theory propose?
Individuals commit crimes when the perceived benefits outweigh the costs.
What are some strategies advocated by right realists to deter crime?
- Increasing the costs of crime
- Increasing the likelihood of being caught
- Implementing tougher punishments
What causes of crime do right realists attribute to rising crime rates?
- Reckless parenting
- Absent fathers
- Lack of discipline in schools
- Liberal policies
- An ineffective state
What solutions do right realists advocate for reducing crime?
- Reducing opportunities for offending
- Increasing the costs of crime
- Encouraging responsible parenting
- Implementing tough punishments
What is the Broken Window Theory?
The theory suggests that addressing minor incivilities can prevent more serious crime.
What three main factors affecting long-term crime rates does Wilson identify?
- The number of young males
- Cost-benefit analysis of crime
- Inadequate socialization into societal norms
What does inadequate socialization refer to in the context of Right Realism?
It refers to inappropriate socialization by key societal agencies, such as non-traditional families and lack of discipline in schools.
What is the effectiveness of Right Realism in crime reduction?
Zero Tolerance has led to a decrease in crime rates in New York.
What are some limitations of Right Realism?
- Focus on minor offenses ignores serious crimes
- Too readily accepts crime statistics
- Doesn’t explain white collar crime
- Ignores biological factors influencing behavior
What is Left Realism?
Developed by Jock Young, Left Realism sees crime as a real problem for ordinary people and analyzes social and economic relationships.
What three factors are identified as bringing about crime in Left Realism?
- Subculture
- Relative Deprivation
- Marginalization
What is meant by ‘Relative Deprivation’ in the context of crime?
Frustration from unfairness and disparity between expectations and reality leads to feelings of relative deprivation.
What are the strengths of Left Realism?
- Highlights poverty and inequality as causes of crime
- Focuses on the reality of street crime
- Explores the role of victims in more depth
- Recognizes multiple causes of crime
What limitations are associated with Left Realism?
- Over predicts working-class crime
- Not all experiencing relative deprivation turn to crime
- Focuses on inner city crime, giving an unrepresentative view
