Sociological Theories - Realism

Question 1

Right Realism

Answer 1

• they believe that crime is a real problem and that its not just socially constructed - should be treated as a problem too
• rational choice - idea that crime is a problem of the individual and that everyone has the ability of reasoning
• believe biological factors have a great influence and some genes make people more aggressive however they can be socialised out of these

-hernstein and murray argue that there is an underclass which is a class even below the working class who are predisposed to committing crime

• effective socialisation leads to a decrease in crime as there is a transference of norms and values

Question 2

Left Realism

Answer 2

• idea of relative deprivation and that it links to marginalisation
• people lack organisation and a way to represent their goals and so they feel nothing to loose and therefore vent their frustrations which leads to deviant behaviour
• leads to formation of subcultures as people turn to these to feel a sense of community and to cope with the problem

ways to combat include :
1. raise wages
2. create jobs
3. increase benefits