Right Realism Thatcher

Question 1

What where Thatchers view on crime?

Answer 1

• Right Realist
• Favored capital punishment and wanted to bring back hanging
• Wanted to cut welfare
• Saw single mothers as an issue

Question 2

Which policies did she implement?

Answer 2

1. 1984 Police and Criminal evidence act (PACE) more liberal, given more rights to suspects.
2. Longer sentences and increased prison rates - led to a short term reduction in crime rates in the 1990’s.
3. Welfare spending reduced
4. Housing policies creating a shift to low quality council housing pockets of extreme poverty.

Question 3

What were issues with these polices?

Answer 3

1. Crime rose rapidly in the 1980’s
2. High unemployment rates due to industrialization lead to property crime increase.
3. (1984 Fowler Review of Social Security) Reduced welfare spending, linked with rise in property crime.
4. Media (moral panic) focus on crime shifted in communities.