Right Realism Flashcards
What do right realists believe?
Crime and especially street crime is a growing problem and they are mainly concerned with practical solutions to reduce crime so for them the best approach is control and punishment not rehabilitation.
What do right realists think about Marxism?
They reject the view that factors like poverty are the causes of crime.
What do right realists think are the causes of crime?
-biological differences between individuals
-inadequate socialisation
- offending as a rational choice
What is meant by ‘biological differences between individuals’?
Wilson and Herrnstein argued that crime is a mixture of biological and social factors. So biological differences make some people more predisposed to committing crimes than others, for example certain hormones and personality traits make some people more aggressive and impulsive. They also argue that one of the main causes of is low intelligence.
What is meant by ‘inadequate socialisation’?
When a child is not bought up properly because of neglect and abuse it’s called inadequate socialisation which means they have a higher risk of becoming offenders. Murray argues that crime is increasing because of a growing underclass who are failing to socialise their children properly. He stated that families need fathers and sons of single mothers lack a role model so they turn to delinquent role models who influence them to commit crimes. -cohen: status frustration.
What is meant by ‘rational choice theory’?
This theory assumes that we are rational beings with free will. Therefore deciding to commit a crime is a choice based on rational calculations of the consequences, so weighing risks against the rewards. If the crime is more rewarding people are more likely to offend. Therefore right realists believe we need to make it harder for people to commit crimes. HOWEVER offenders may act rationally and just move their attention somewhere else- displacement.
What are some evaluations of the right realists perspective?
-STRENGTHS: it provides solutions to crimes & explains petty crimes.
-WEAKNESSES: offenders under the influence of drugs and alcohol are unlikely to calculate the risks & violent crimes are impulsive.
