Right realism theory of crime

Question 1

Why do right realists oppose social structure theories like Marxism and Functionalism?

Answer 1

They believe it isn’t criminologists’ job to tackle structural inequalities. Instead, we need practical policies to tackle crime and a victim centred approach

Question 2

Summarise Rational Choice Theory (Felson and Clarke 1998)

Answer 2

It is a choice to commit crime and criminals are opportunistic, taking opportunities to offend based on how rewarding it will be and the risk of getting caught and punished

Question 3

Summarise Broken Windows Theory (Wilson and Kelling 1982)

Answer 3

More crime happens when an area is run down, because people don’t care if the area gets worse. The best way to tackle crime is to clean up an area and crack down on low-level offending

Question 4

What does Charles Murray believe causes crime?

Answer 4

Poor socialisation due to single parent families (particularly single mothers with sons) and reliance on the welfare system meaning less people are working.

Question 5

What are Right Realist policies for tackling crime?

Answer 5

Zero tolerance policing, situational crime prevention (e.g. CCTV in shops), environmental crime prevention (e.g. more police on streets and gentrifying deprived areas)

Question 6

Strengths of Right Realism

Answer 6

• A practical approach
• Has been used to create government policies like stop and search
• Flood-Page et al (2000) supports the idea that sons from single parent or step families are more likely to offend

Question 7

Weaknesses of Right Realism

Answer 7

• Blames crime on the working/underclass, ignoring high class crimes
• Ignores social problems like poverty, marginalisation and relative deprivation
• Doesn’t acknowledge the social construction of crime and crime statistics