Right Realism

Question 1

What do their views correspond with?

Answer 1

Neo conservative govs of the 70s and 80s

Question 2

Causes of crime: biological differences

Answer 2

Some people are more predisposed to commit crime e.g. traits like aggressiveness and low impulse control put people at greater risk of offending

Hernstein and Murray- main cause of crime is low intelligence which is biologically determined

Question 3

Causes of crime: socialisation and the underclass

Answer 3

Murray- crime is rising because of a growing underclass who fail to socialise their children properly

Lone mothers are ineffective at socialising because boys lack discipline and appropriate male role models causing delinquency

Question 4

Causes of crime: rational choice theory

Answer 4

Clarke: the decision to commit a crime is a choice based on the rational calculation of likely consequences e.g. if percieved rewards are greater than those of non criminal behaviour, there is crime

Question 5

(Wilson and Kelling) Broken windows theory and Zero tolerance policing

Answer 5

Wilson and Kelling: broken windows theory- it is essential to maintain orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime

Advocate for zero tolerance towards undesirable behaviour like begging so that law abiding citizens feel safe

Question 6

Causes of crime: Criticisms

Answer 6

Ignores wider structural causes like poverty

Overstates offenders’ rationality and does not explain impulsive crimes

Question 7

Criticisms of zero tolerance policing

Answer 7

Preoccupied with street crime when corporate crimes are more harmful

Gives the police free reign to discriminate against minorities and homeless