Realist Polcies Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is one way Realism has influenced crime prevention?
Right Realism promotes situational crime prevention — focusing on controlling the environment to reduce opportunities for crime.
How do Right Realists explain this approach?
They argue crime is a rational choice, so making it more difficult or riskier (e.g. surveillance, neighbourhood control) will deter offenders.
What policy shows Right Realism in action?
The “Broken Windows” policy (Wilson & Kelling) inspired zero-tolerance policing in New York, targeting minor disorder to prevent major crimes.
Who are these policies aimed at?
Typically applied in working-class urban areas with high visible disorder, using CCTV and policing to deter deviance.
What does this show about Realist influence?
Right Realism shapes punitive, control-based policies focused on deterrence, not the social causes of crime.
What is another way Realist theory influences crime prevention?
Left Realism promotes community-based and multi-agency strategies to reduce crime by addressing social issues.
What do Left Realists believe causes crime?
They argue relative deprivation, marginalisation, and subcultures lead to crime, so policy should focus on improving social conditions and inclusion.
What’s a real-life example of this approach?
Youth outreach programmes, investment in education, better housing, and democratic policing aim to tackle root causes.
Where are these strategies often used?
In deprived inner-city areas with high levels of social exclusion and mistrust in police — especially among youth.
What does this show about Left Realist influence?
Left Realism informs inclusive, preventative strategies that go beyond control to reduce crime by reducing inequality.
