explanations of the causes of crime by right realists

Question 1

point 1

Answer 1

rational choice theory (from cohen and felsons routine activity theory)

crime is a matter of individual choice, individuals choose to commit crime

most criminals are rational actors

• if the criminal calculates that the risk of getting caught is low, or punishment is not severe, they are more likely to commit crime, assuming reward for doing so is high enough

Question 2

point 2

Answer 2

broken window thesis (wilson and kelling)

use the phrase ‘broken windows’ to stand for all the various signs of disorder and lack of concern for others that are found in neighbourhoods

• includes graffiti, vandalism, littering etc

leaving broken windows unrepaired, sends signals that no one cares