Realism

Question 1

What do left realists believe about society?

Answer 1

They believe that society is unequal - aim to promote equality through the use of benefits
Inequality causes crime

Linked with Labour Party

Question 2

What do Lea and Young say the causes of crime are?

Answer 2

Relative deprivation- being deprived in comparison to others
Marginalisation- feeling left out or excluded from society, express frustration through riots
Subcultures- may be formed in response to marginalisation, to prevent feeling excluded, this can influence gang crimes - they believe crime is the way to achieve goals

Question 3

What are the strengths for left realism?

Answer 3

Draws attention to the effects of deprivation and inequality
Draws attention to street crime and as to why gangs are formed - innovation

Question 4

What are the criticisms for left realism?

Answer 4

Over estimates the volume of crimes within working class, e.g not everyone who is relatively deprived commits crime
Ignores upper class crimes, e.g white collar

Question 5

What do right realists believe in?

Answer 5

They believe in capitalism, hyper individualism - no regard for others and a hierarchy
Often associated with Conservative Party

Question 6

What do right realists believe the 3 main causes for crime are?

Answer 6

Biological differences
Poor socialisation
Rational choice

Question 7

What did Wilson and Herrnstein argue about for the cause of crime?

Answer 7

Biological differences makes individuals more likely to commit crime, for example individuals with a lower intelligence where more likely to be criminals than others

Question 8

What does Murray argue the cause of crime is?

Answer 8

Poor socialisation - negative norms and values, which are influenced by a single mother
Murray also stated that a lack of a male role model (father) means a child is incapable of learning the right norms and values

Question 9

What does Cornish and Clarke argue is the cause of crime?

Answer 9

Rational choice is where an individual outweighs the pros and the cons of a situation
Pros outweigh cons - more likely to commit
Punishments should be less lenient and more severe

Question 10

What are the strengths of right realism?

Answer 10

Encourages real life policies, such as target hardening (CCTV), due to this theory being harsher on the criminal rather than the cause for crime

Question 11

What are the criticisms of right realism?

Answer 11

Suggests offenders act rationally - Cornish and Clarke, however some may act impulsively
Ignores upper class crimes