Right Realism

Question 1

What is Right realism associated with

Answer 1

New Right

Question 2

Value consensus and shared morality underpin society

Answer 2

Reflected in law, and criminals are immoral because they breach this consensus. Social order is crucial and people should be able to live life without fearing crime.

Question 3

People are naturally selfish

Answer 3

Like control theory, people naturally self-seeking and natural tendency to take shortcuts.

Question 4

Community control

Answer 4

Poor socialisation and poor community controls lead to crime. Need to strengthen bonds of community (hirschi’s control theory).

Question 5

Rational choice and opportunity

Answer 5

People weigh up costs and benefits, people commit crime as believe rewards are greater than costs.

Question 6

Weaknesses

Answer 6

• Doesn’t pay attention to white collar or hidden crimes

- Suggests offenders act rationally

Question 7

Strengths

Answer 7

• Recognises immediate causes of crime

- Recognises importance of community control

Question 8

Environmental crime thesis and ‘broken window thesis’

Answer 8

Broken window symbolises social disorder. If not fixed, more will be broken and there will be further neglect. This will therefore increase anti-social behaviour, leading to more and more serious crimes. Therefore wilson suggested we must keep environments in good physical condition and police should have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

Question 9

2 main approaches to crime prevention

Answer 9

1. Situational crime prevention: targets certain areas to make crime particularly unattractive
2. Increased social control: Linked to Hirshi’s control theory, suggesting individuals are encouraged to choose conformity over deviance due to strong social bonds.