Right Realism

Question 1

What did Wilson say?

Answer 1

Developed rational choice theory

Question 2

What is the rational choice theory?

Answer 2

Crime is a choice people made after weighing up the risks and rewards of their actions.

If the reward outweighs the risk then people are more likely to commit crime

Question 3

Give a contemporary example of rational choice:

Answer 3

Fines for not adhering to COVID guidelines started out low [£50/£100] but raised when people did not adhere to the rules

Question 4

What is the Broken Windows Theory and who developed it?

Answer 4

Kellings - Found higher levels of crime in areas where appearance was bad/falling standards [broken windows, graffiti]

Maintaining of appearance upholds law and order as it deters criminals

Police are then able to identify criminal behaviour as it stands out

Question 5

Give an example to support broken windows theory:

Answer 5

New York police put in policies of 0 tolerance against undesirable behaviour - moving homeless people off streets

Led to gentrification of areas of New York - displaces crime into the outskirts

Question 6

What is biological differences and who says it?

Answer 6

Hernstein - some people were biologically re-disposed to crime.

Effective socialisation does not always work - some people such as those with impulsive personalities are more likely to commit crime

Question 7

Evaluate Right Realist view on crime:

Answer 7

Wilson’s ideas were based upon assumptions of lower-class criminality

Ignores impact of policies put forward by the political right that creates conditions for crime.

Question 8

What did Murray state about state spending?

Answer 8

Reduced state spending will reduce need for high taxation and provides people with more choice and independence

Question 9

What did Murray say about the underclass?

Answer 9

Existence of an underclass in society - group exists among the edge of mainstream society and lack socialisation into norms and values of society.

Question 10

What does Murray say about the family and socialisation?

Answer 10

Underclass of ‘idle young men’ being inadequately socialised by lone parents - lack male role model

Young males then lack motivation so look to earn through working in shadow economies - drug dealing

Gain status through masculinity not conforming to norms and values

Question 11

Evaluate Murray’s theory:

Answer 11

Criticised for basing work on negative stereotypes of w/c and ethnic minority groups

Ignores structural inequality created by neo-liberal economic policy

Existence of underclass can be seen to be reductionist - victim blaming and suggesting poverty is a lifestyle choice