Right realism

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

street crime is a real problem and
threat for society, emphasises on practical
solutions to reduce crime.

Question 2

Core

Answer 2

Murray- The underclass and
poor socialisation -burden to
society, fail to adequately socialise
children, blames lone parent families
resulting in low job prospects - drug
offences.

Question 3

Expanded

Answer 3

Rational Choice
Theory - Clarke crime occurs when someone
believes the benefits outweigh the costs, poor
socialisation = irrational thinking e.g. commit a
crime because you just cannot resist it.

Question 4

Strength

Answer 4

➤Grounded in real-world
crime stats
➤ Effective prevention (e.g.,
zero-tolerance policing).

Question 5

Weakness

Answer 5

➤ Ignores
emotional/impulsive crimes.
➤ Focuses only on
working-class crime.

Question 6

Policy- zero tolerance

Answer 6

Zero tolerance means that every crime, even small ones, is
punished—no warnings, no second chances.
Example: If someone spray-paints a wall, they’re arrested right away.
The message is clear: “No crime is acceptable.”

Question 7

How does it help control crime

Answer 7

● Deterrent – People may avoid committing crimes if they
know even small ones will be punished.
● Prevents Escalation – Stopping minor offences early may
stop bigger crimes from happening (linked to the Broken
Windows Theory).
● Creates Order – Shows that crime and bad behaviour
won’t be ignored.

Question 8

What theory is this based on?

Answer 8

Right Realism – people commit crime due to rational choice this means weighing up the cost of reward and the crime, zero tolerance has a high cost of punishment so they don’t commit crime as the cost out ways the reward