Right realism

Question 1

View on crime

Answer 1

Growing problem. Crime stats provide accurate indication of the problem. Realistic social polices govts can introduce to reduce crime

Question 2

Causes of crime

Answer 2

Three factors: Biological differences, inadequate socialisation and offending is a rational choice.

Question 3

Biological differences

Answer 3

Make some individuals more likely to commit crime.
Traits: aggressiveness, risk-taking or low intelligence.

Question 4

Inadequate socialisation

Answer 4

parents are not
socialising their children effectively. Growing underclass of non-workers who are dependent on benefits and the state

Question 5

Rational choice

Answer 5

People have free will and the
decision to commit crime is a
rational choice based on the
likely consequences.
If rewards greater than costs individual will continue to be criminal.

Question 6

Strengths

Answer 6

Right realism may explain some opportunistic petty crimes such as theft.
Feldman found that ppl made rational decisions. if rewards = high and risks = low, they said crime was worth committing.

Question 7

Weaknesses

Answer 7

Rettig and Feldmans studies were experiments; results may not apply to real offenders.
Not all crimes are result of rational decisions. E.g violent crimes often impulsive