Right Realist Perspective on CD Flashcards
what are the main right realist theorists and theories about the cause of crime
-Wilson, rational choice theory
-Murray, underclass socialisation
-Wilson and Herrnstein, biological differences
what is Wilson’s rational choice theory
-individuals weigh up benefits and risks of getting caught however balance is tipped in favour of criminals
-punishment is an ineffective deterrent as law/policing is weak and lack of informal social controls
what is Murray’s underclass socialisation theory
-increase of the underclass and single parent families and lack of male role models increase crime especially for w/c
what is Wilson and Herrnsteins biological differences theory
-crime caused by combo of biological/social factors
-ppl more predisposed to commit crime if their personality traits include aggressiveness, risk taking, low intelligence
evaluate right realists theories on the cause of crime (3)
-ignores structural causes
-Rational Choice theory does not explain non utilitarian crime
-rational choice theory and biological differences are contradictory
what are the two right realist approaches to tackling crime
-Wilson and Kelling Broken Window Theories / Target hardening
-zero tolerance
describe Wilson and Kelling’s broken windows theory
-broken windows are a sign of deterioration and lack of care so less crimes reported
how does Wilson and Kelling’s broken windows theory tackle crime
-zero tolerance and target hardening policies will improve a deteriorated area so more crimes reported and increased informal pressure
give two examples of right realism in social policy
-1999 ASBOs replaced by 2012 CRIMBOs and CPIs which criminalised antisocial behaviour
-harsher sentences/ more prisons
evaluate right realist solutions to crime
-police power discrimination against minority groups
-over emphasises control of disorder rather than lack of investment
-zero tolerance just displaces CD to other areas
