Right Realism Flashcards
What is the key idea of RR?
The best way to reduce crime is through control and punishment rather than rehabilitating offenders and tackling things like poverty.
What are the 3 factors they argue produce crime?
biological differences between individuals, inadequate socialisation and rational choice theory.
Define Biological differences between individuals.
this makes some people more likely to commit crime due to personality traits and hormones like aggressiveness and low intelligence.
Define inadequate socialisation
they believe when a child is not brought up properly, they haven’t been taught norms and values to know right from wrong which can lead to criminality.
Define Rational choice theory
this states that everyone has a free will. They believe that people weigh up the rewards and consequences before they commit the crime.
What are the strengths of this theory?
- several studies support RCT - Reggit gave students a scenario and found that choices were dependant on rewards.
- Feldman found people make rational choices as well.
Bennett and Wright studied convicted burglars and they said risk was the most important factor.
What are the weaknesses of this theory?
- Rettig and Feldman’s studies were experiments and the result may not apply to real offenders.
- Bennet and Wright studied unsuccessful burglars so successful burglars may think differently.
