Right Realism

Question 1

Causes of crime

Answer 1

• biological differences (Wilson and Hernstein)
• inadequate socialisation (Murray, Dennis)
• rational choice theory (Clarke)

Question 2

Biological differences

Answer 2

• Wilson and Hernstein; argue certain individuals are predisposed to crime due to personality traits eg aggressiveness
• low intelligence which is biological predetermined can explain a great deal of crime that is committed

Question 3

Inadequate socialisation

Answer 3

• Murray; families reliant on welfare state, creating welfare dependency and lone mother who dont socialise their children adequately
• Dennis; clear correlations between crime and family characteristics- changes in modern life undermines stability and traditional socialisation —> external patterns of social control have weakened and sense of community have been lost

Question 4

Rational choice theory

Answer 4

• Clarke; individuals are rational beings with free will that decide to commit crime based on rational calculation of the consequences- so if rewards outweigh the costs,people will be more likely to offend

Question 5

Solutions to crime

Answer 5

• greater control and punishment
• Wilson and Kelling; must keep neighbourhoods orderly as one sign of deterioration can lead to crime—> Broken windows study (crim predominates in disorganised areas where appearance of the area adds to the problem)
• zero tolerance policy (arrest even for minor crimes)

Question 6

Criticisms for right realism

Answer 6

• don’t address structural causes of crime eg poverty
• focus solely on street crime, ignoring corporate or white collar crime
• view is too simplistic- ignores complex motives or meanings from committing crime