Topic 4: Realist theories

Question 1

Herrnstein and Murray

Answer 1

The main cause of crime is low intelligence, which they see as biologically determined.

Question 2

Murray

Answer 2

Crime rates are increasingly because of a growing underclass who are defined by their deviant behaviour and fail to socialise there children. The state's 'generous revolution' means people become dependant leading to the growth of lone parent families. Men no longer have to take responsibility for their families so they no longer need to work.
However absent fathers means boys lack paternal discipline and male role models. They therefore turn to other delinquent role models on the street to gain status through crime. The underclass is not only a source of crime, it's existence threatens society's cohesion by undermining the values of hard work and responsibility.

Question 3

Dilulio and Walters

Answer 3

Crime is a result of growing up surrounded by delinquent and deviant adults in a practically perfect criminogenic environment- one that seems almost consciously designed to produce vicious, predatory and unrepentant street criminals

Question 4

Clarke

Answer 4

Rational choice theory- decision to commit crime based on rational cl auction of the costs and rewards.

Question 5

Wilson

Answer 5

Currently the perceived costs of crime are low, and this is why crime rates have increased. Their is often little risk of being caught and punishments are in any case lenient- the supply and value of legitimate opportunities and the cost of illegitimate opportunities declining at the same time means rational people turn to crime.

Question 6

Felson

Answer 6

Routine activity theory- for a crime to occur there must be a motivated offender, a subtitle target and the absence of a capable guardian e.g. policeman or neighbour. Offenders acts rationally do the presence of a guardian is likely to deter them form offending. Informal guards as are more effective than formal ones.

Question 7

Cromwell et at

Answer 7

In the chaos following hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1982 patrols by local citizens to protect property during the absence of police prevented looting and crime rates actually went down during this period

Question 8

Wilson and Kelling

Answer 8

Broken Windows- it is essential to maintain the orderly character of a neighbourhood to prevent crime taking hold. Any signs of deterioration such as graffiti or vandalism must be dealt with immediately

Question 9

Young

Answer 9

The rise of crime rates since the 1950s has led to an aetiological crisis- a crisis in explanation- for theories of crime. The increase in crime is too great to be explained away and is a real one.
We are now living in late modern society where instability and exclusion makes the crime problem worse; increasing marginalisation and RD. There is a growing contrast between cultural inclusion and economic exclusion: the media promotes cultural inclusion leading to higher expectations for a good life while at the same time the poor are systematically excluded from opportunity to gain this lifestyle.
In late modern society RD has become generalised throughout society rather than being confined to those at the bottom. There is an increase in hate crimes. There is less consensus of right and wrong.
We must tackle the structural causes of crime e.g. Inequality of opportunity and becoming more accepting of diversity.
New Labour have tried to implement Left Realist policy however Young regards these as doomed attempt to recreate the golden age of the 1950s.

Question 10

Lea and Young

Answer 10

Causes of crime:
Relative deprivation- people a more aware of their relative depreciation due to the media and advertising. The lethal combination is RD and individualism- which encourages self-interest and weakens informal controls.
Subculture- subcultures are groups’ collective solution to the problem of RD, one of which may be turning to crime. However there’s still subscribe to the values and goals of mainstream society, but find their opportunities blocked.
Marginalisation- marginalised groups lack clear goals and organised representation. Being powerless to use political means to improve their position, they express their frustration through criminal means such as violence and rioting

Question 11

Wilson and Herrnstein

Answer 11

Crime is caused by a combination of biological and social factors- biological differences make some people more innately predisposed to commit crime; for example traits such as aggressiveness, extroversion, risk taking and low impulse control.

Question 12

Kinsey, Lea and Young

Answer 12

The public report 90% of crimes known to the police. However the police are losing public support resulting in military policing: such as swamping an area and random stop and searches. This further alienates communities, creating a vicious circle. Police need to improve their relationship by spending more time investigating crime, changing their priorities and involving the public in policing policy. A multi-agency approach is needed- involving social services, housing departments, schools and leisure services and voluntary organisations/victim support as well as the public.

Question 13

Henry and Milovanovic

Answer 13

Left realism accepts the authorities’ definition of crime as b
Ewing street crime committed by the poor instead of defining the problem as being one of how more powerful groups do harm to the poor.