Right Realism

Question 1

What is the key idea of RR?

Answer 1

The best way to reduce crime is through control and punishment rather than rehabilitating offenders and tackling things like poverty.

Question 2

What are the 3 factors they argue produce crime?

Answer 2

biological differences between individuals, inadequate socialisation and rational choice theory.

Question 3

Define Biological differences between individuals.

Answer 3

this makes some people more likely to commit crime due to personality traits and hormones like aggressiveness and low intelligence.

Question 4

Define inadequate socialisation

Answer 4

they believe when a child is not brought up properly, they haven’t been taught norms and values to know right from wrong which can lead to criminality.

Question 5

Define Rational choice theory

Answer 5

this states that everyone has a free will. They believe that people weigh up the rewards and consequences before they commit the crime.

Question 6

What are the strengths of this theory?

Answer 6

• several studies support RCT - Reggit gave students a scenario and found that choices were dependant on rewards.
• Feldman found people make rational choices as well.
  Bennett and Wright studied convicted burglars and they said risk was the most important factor.

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of this theory?

Answer 7

• Rettig and Feldman’s studies were experiments and the result may not apply to real offenders.
• Bennet and Wright studied unsuccessful burglars so successful burglars may think differently.