Sociological left and right realism

Question 1

Right realism summary

Answer 1

Base views on rational choice theory -criminals are rational actors who weigh up the risks and rewards before deciding whether to commit crime

Question 2

Left realism

Answer 2

See crime as a real problem its main victims are disadvantaged groups. Inequality is the main cause of crime and encourages relative deprivation

Question 3

Right Realism what are their key ideas?

Answer 3

These governments favoured rolling back the welfare state together with a strong commitment to law and order.
They favour a zero tolerance stance and increased us of prison

Question 4

Left realism What are their key ideas?

Answer 4

Believe that informal control is more important taht poor/ stereotypical police
-minorities

Question 5

Right realism - How do they view crime?

Answer 5

Reject the idea that structual economic factors involve crime
They believe crime is due to biological differences, sociolisation and the underclass, rational choice to offend

Question 6

Left realism How do they view crime

Answer 6

individuals commit crime for a variety of reasons relative deprivation, marginalisation and subculture

Question 7

Right realism Whats their solution to crime?

Answer 7

Harsh and strict policing that adopt a zero tolerance policy

Answer 8

Improving policy and control and gain confidence of local communities. If the community is strong then involvement in crime will be seen as a disgrace

Question 9

Strengths of right realism

Answer 9

Supporting evidence-Feldman found that people made rational decisions if the rewards were high and risks low, they said the crime was worth committing

Question 10

Strength of left