Topic 14 - right realism topics of crime Flashcards
Introduction?
Right realism views crime as a problem caused by poor socialization, weak punishment, and declining moral standards. It advocates for firm social control and harsh solutions. It is associated with conservative politics, particularly Margaret Thatcher’s government, and builds on functionalist theories. Crime is seen as driven by cultural factors, such as a lack of respect for authority. Charles Murray, a leading figure, links crime to the rise of a criminal “underclass” due to inadequate socialization, single-parent households, and generous benefits. Murray argues that cutting benefits and increasing punishments will help break the cycle of crime.
Principles of right realism?
Principles of Right Realism:
Right realism assumes that crime is a serious problem, especially among the poor. It views individuals as selfish, with everyone capable of committing crime if not deterred. People weigh the costs and benefits of crime, and will commit it if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ron Clarke argues that criminals actively choose to commit crime, and society should make the consequences harsh enough to deter criminal behavior.
Right relaist solutions to the problem of crime?
Right realists propose solutions to crime through harsh punishment, segregation of criminals from society, and deterrents that make crime difficult and rewards limited. These strategies have significantly influenced public policies, particularly under conservative governments.
The broken window thesis + zero teolerance?
Wilson and Kelling’s “Broken Windows Thesis” (1982) argued that maintaining clean, orderly areas prevents crime. They suggested that allowing minor damage or disorder leads to more serious crimes. Their solution was zero-tolerance policing, which enforces strict penalties even for minor offenses to stop the escalation of criminal behavior. This was implemented in New York in 2001, leading to a reduction in both serious and petty crime, though similar trends occurred in areas without zero tolerance.
Amitai Etzioni (1975) argued that modern life has removed decision-making from local communities, leaving crime control to the police. James Q. Wilson (1975) suggested strengthening social bonds and moral values as a solution to crime.
Target hardening?
Target hardening involves making crime less attractive through various strategies. Based on Clarke (1997) and Cornish & Clarke (2003), it includes tactics like CCTV in city centers, which has shown to reduce crime, though critics argue it simply shifts crime elsewhere. Neighborhood watch schemes encourage community vigilance, but they sometimes lead to targeting neighbors. Law and order policies emphasize strict punishments, and efforts are made to clear streets of potential criminals, such as sex workers, the homeless, and drug dealers. Studies by Milly and Hoff (2004) and Hamilton-Smith & Kent (2005) support the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing burglary.
Assessments about right realist theories of crime?
Right realism recognizes the position of crime victims but overlooks middle-class and corporate crime, which it doesn’t consider a major societal issue. There is limited evidence supporting claims that young single mothers fail to socialize their children properly, and many assumptions of right realism are politically motivated rather than sociologically supported. It is criticized for assuming the poor commit more crime and for ignoring white-collar crime. Aggressive policing has been linked to a decline in public trust, and zero-tolerance policies have been accused of discrimination against specific ethnic and social groups. Additionally, right realism doesn’t explain the origins of crime, only reacting to it.
