Right Realism (brief) Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 4 areas to remember with right realism?
A
- biological differences
- socialisation and the underclass
- rational choice theory
- zero tolerance
2
Q
Summarise biological differences
A
- biological factors make some people more predisposed to crime
- eg. traits such as extroversion, risk-taking, aggressiveness, low impulse control
- the main cause of crime is low intelligence
3
Q
Evaluate biological differences
A
- a lot of crime is well thought out and thus requires a good level of intellect and intelligence which they don’t acknowledge
- not everyone with these traits commits crime, and some people without do
- doesn’t consider white collar or corporate crime - often intelligent individuals
- personality traits can be encouraged/ discouraged through socialisation - it’s not always biological
4
Q
Summarise socialisation and the underclass
A
- acknowledge that effective socialisation can discourage certain traits which would make someone more disposed to crime because it’s about self-control and learning morality
- growing underclass who do not socialise effectively
- believe over-generous welfare state has meant that fathers feel less responsibility towards their families and thus there are more single mothers who cannot discipline/ socialise
- especially boys look for role models in delinquent subcultures etc. and become more involved in crime for status and confidence
5
Q
Evaluate socialisation and the underclass
A
- working class are still able to instil morality and self-control, can effectively socialise
- in a lot of cases having a single mother might make a boy learn more respect for women etc. - not all turn to delinquent role models
- neglect to recognise any other family structure as effective for socialisation other than the nuclear family - family may be dysfunctional
- negative about mothers’ ability to discipline and control children
- police attention on male crime makes it appear as a male problem where it is not always
6
Q
Summarise rational choice theory
A
- assumes individuals have free will and power of reason
- crime occurs after a weighing up of the perceived costs and the perceived benefits
- due to lack of effective punishment the consequences are no longer outweighing the benefits
- routine active theory - for a crime to occur there must be a motivated offender, suitable target, absence of a ‘capable guardian’
7
Q
Evaluate rational choice theory
A
- some individuals may not recognise they’re committing a crime eg. speeding
- some individuals may be under the influence of drink/ drugs or be mentally ill which means their crime isn’t rational
- do the benefits always outweigh the costs?
- certain crimes may not have been rationally thought out eg. crimes of passion, crimes of opportunity
- internal contradiction - assumes that crimes are intelligent and rational, whereas first point said they were of low intelligence
8
Q
Summarise their solutions: tackling crime
A
- main focus is control, containment, punishment
- Wilson and Kelling - “Broken Windows” article
- advocate ‘zero tolerance’ policy
- role of police should be on controlling the streets so law-abiding citizens feel safe
- crime prevention policies should reduce rewards and increase costs eg. target hardening methods, greater prison use, punishment implementation immediately
9
Q
Evaluate zero tolerance
A
- Young argue its apparent suggest was a myth peddled by politicians and police to take credit for crime that was already falling
- as crime was already falling, police needed to justify their existence and so ‘defined defiance up’ to arrest people for more minor crimes which then was claimed to be the reason for crime falling
- preoccupied with petty street crime and ignores corporate crime which is more costly and harmful
- gives police free rein to discriminate against minorities etc.
- target hardening can lead to a displacement of crime to other areas
