Right realists theory of crime

Question 1

What do RRs think are the 3 main causes of crime?

Answer 1

1. BIOLOGY - Wilson&Herrnstein - some people have a biological predisposition
2. SOCIALISATION - but good socialisation can train them away from it e.g single parent children more likely to commit crime as they have ‘incomplete socialisation’
3. RATIONAL CHOICE - people have free will and think rationally and reason out the risks

Question 2

Why does Wilson argue that people commit crime and what needs to change?

Answer 2

the benefits outweigh the risks, so punishment needs to be harsher for smaller crimes

Question 3

What is the Zero Tolerance policy?

Answer 3

In US and Middlesbrough - having strict, set punishments

Question 4

What is the ‘broken window’ theory?

Answer 4

Wilson and Kelling - damage to a neighbourhood has to be fixed quickly other wise crime quickly gets out of control, sends a message that you can get away with crime

Question 5

Why does Wilson argue that police and resources should be taken from broken down areas?

Answer 5

he thinks once social order has gone, it can never be rebuilt, it is better to focus efforts on places that aren’t too far gone

Question 6

How can the RR theory of crime be criticised?

Answer 6

1. Zero tolerance has led to high prison population
2. broken windows provide no evidence for crime (matthews)
3. Jones - societies are never too far gone