Topic 4 Realist Theories Of Crime Flashcards
(34 cards)
What are the 3 explanations for crime according to Right Realists
Biological differences
Inadequate socialisation
Rational Choice Theory
Which sociologists talk about Biological differences as an explanation for crime according to Right Realist
Wilson and Hernstein
What 3 personality types are most likely to commit crime according to Wilson and Hernstein
Aggressiveness
Extroversion
Risk taking
What do Hernstein and Murray argue is the main cause of crime
Low intelligence
Which sociologist states that the underclass are the reason for crime according to Right Realists
Murray
Define the Underclass
The undeserving poor who fail to socialise their children properly
What is the underclass the result of
Welfare dependency
According to Murray why do the underclass commit crime
As the lack of a father means boys lack parental discipline and gain status through crime rather than supporting their families
How does Right Realist Clarke define Rational Choice Theory as a reason for crime
If the rewards outweigh the costs crime is more likely to be committed
Which sociologist talks about routine active theory
Felson
What are the 3 things that must be present for a crime to happen according to Felson
Motivated Offender
Suitable Target
Absence of a capable guardian
Which sociologists talk about Broken Window Theory
Wilson and Kelling
How does Broken Window Theory explain crime according to Wilson and Kelling
As if an area isn’t cleaned up more crime is more likely to happen there
Define Zero Tolerance Policing
Giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a certain crime
Name 2 example of a crime Broken window Theory isn’t effective at preventing
Domestic Abuse
Child abuse
What evidence suggests that zero tolerance policing works
Significant fall of in crime rate in NYC between 1993-1996
What evidence suggests that Zero Tolerance is a myth
NYC crime rate was already dropping 9 years before zero tolerance was implemented
What are the 3 explanations Left Realists state rises crime rates since the 1950s
Relative Deprivation
Subcultures
Marginalisation
Which Left realists offer 3 explanations for the rises in crime since the 1950s
Lea and Young
Define relative deprivation
Refers to how deprived someone feels in relation to others or compared with their own expectations
What are 2 reasons as to why people are more prone to relative deprivation
Advertising
Social Media
Describe how subcultures causes crime according to Lea and Young
Different groups produce different solutions to problems
Criminal subcultures solve their consumerism and materialism through theft and robbery
Describe how marginalisation leads to crime according to Lea and Young
Marginalised groups lack both clear goals and organisations to represent their interests
Unemployed youth are marginalised and express their frustration through violence and riots
According to Young what else is needed in addition to relative deprivation for crime to occur
Individualism
