Right realist Flashcards
P1: What is the Right Realist view on crime?
Right Realists argue that crime is a rational decision based on cost-benefit analysis, where individuals weigh the risks and rewards of their actions.
What is an example of Rational Choice Theory in action?
The increase in shoplifting during economic recessions, as people see it as a low-risk, high-reward activity due to limited law enforcement.
Why is Rational Choice Theory useful?
It recognises individual agency and aligns with policies like harsher sentencing and zero-tolerance policing to deter crime.
What are the limitations of Rational Choice Theory?
It assumes all offenders act rationally, ignoring impulsive or emotional crimes (e.g., domestic violence) and structural factors like poverty and unemployment.
What do *** (1985) argue about crime?
They argue that crime is influenced by biological predispositions (e.g., aggression, impulsivity) and poor socialisation (e.g., lack of discipline, single-parent families).- Wilson and Herrnstein
What is an example supporting Wilson and Herrnstein’s theory?
Studies show that boys raised without a father figure are more likely to engage in delinquency, supporting the link between poor socialisation and crime.
How does this theory influence policy?
It reinforces policies promoting traditional family values and tougher welfare policies to reduce dependency and strengthen social controls.
What are the criticisms of Wilson and Herrnstein’s theory?
It is deterministic, ignores white-collar and corporate crimes, and oversimplifies criminal behaviour by downplaying socio-economic factors.
P3: What is Broken Windows Theory (Wilson and Kelling, 1982)?
It suggests that visible signs of disorder (e.g., vandalism, loitering) encourage more crime by creating an environment of lawlessness.
What is Zero-Tolerance Policing?
It involves cracking down on all offences, no matter how minor, to maintain order and deter crime.
What is an example of Zero-Tolerance Policing in action?
New York under Mayor Giuliani in the 1990s saw a significant reduction in crime rates, often attributed to zero-tolerance policing.
Why are these policies effective?
They increase the perceived risk of being caught, deterring crime and restoring community order and cohesion.
What are the criticisms of Broken Windows and Zero-Tolerance Policing?
They disproportionately target marginalised communities, leading to over-policing and racial profiling, and may not account for other factors like economic growth.
P4: What is Situational Crime Prevention
Clarke- It focuses on reducing opportunities for crime through environmental design (e.g., CCTV, better lighting) and increased surveillance.
How does SCP reduce crime?
By making crime harder or less rewarding, it deters opportunistic crime and increases the perceived cost of criminal actions.
What is an example of SCP in action?
The widespread use of CCTV in the UK has reduced crime in public spaces by increasing the risk of being caught.
Why is SCP effective?
It is easy to implement and aligns with Rational Choice Theory by increasing the perceived risks of crime.
What are the limitations of SCP?
It leads to displacement (criminals moving to less secure areas) and does not address root causes like poverty, providing only a short-term fix.
