Right Realists Flashcards
Realists
In constrast to other theories they see crimes as a real problem to be tackled not just social construction. So they argues that other theories have failed to offer realistic solutions to the problems of crime and they propose what they regard as practical solutions.
Right realism
They state that criminals have made a rational choice to commit a crime and weighed up the pros and cons. The governments role is not to eliminate the mythical roots of crime such as education and poverty but to punish the criminal. Humans are naturally selfish and greedy if they have poor socialisation then its inevitable that they will commit crime. Views are similar to neo-consevatives of 70/80.
Wilson and Hernstein
Found that there is biological differences that predispose some people to criminal activities such as low IQ and low impulse control.
Socialisation
While biology may increase the chance of an individual offending, effective socialisation decreases the risk. Right realists see the nuclear family as having a key role in the effective socialisation.
Murray
Argues that the crime rate is increasing because of a growing underclass or “new rabble” who are defined by failure to socialise their children properly. He says that the underclass is a result of welfare dependency. This dependency has resulted in decline in marriage, increase of single parent families with lack of a male role model. This is paternalism society is now taking over the role of the parent s.
Mooney
She claimed that there is not a single piece of evidence that linked single parenthood and criminal activity in actual fact they were more likely to be a victim.
Marxism (challenged)
Murray states the very existence of the underclass undermines the value of handwork but it had been seen by marxism as dogmatic and overcritial of the unfortunate at the bottom. They completely ignore the white collar crimes.
Cashmore
Challenged the existence of the welfare dependent state arguing that for most the phase of dependency on benefits in only temporary.
Clarke (RCT)
Clarke argues that the decision to commit a crime is a choice we see if the benefit out weights the cost, right realists argue that currently the costs are low thats why crime rates are increasing.
Willson and Kelling
Say damage t a neighbourhood has too be put right straight away even if one broken window is kept then is sends the message that crime is tolerated. They also stated that resources and police supervision should be taken away from places where law has already broken down.
Matthews
Stated that he found NO evidence that tolerating a broken window leads to crime.
Jones
Questions the taking resources away because he argues that making an investment does have a positive effect.
Zero Tolerance
This has been advocated for by right realists where all minor crimes are taken serious but it has been argued that crimes just moves to neighbouring towns and an increase in prison population too high. But it was successful In NYC.
