realist theories of crime

Question 1

what do both realists believe

Answer 1

that crime is a real problem

Question 2

what do right realist focus on?

Answer 2

focus on the individual being responsible for crime, arguing we need to get tough on criminals to reduce crime

Question 3

why is the right realist approach very influential?

Answer 3

because of zero tolerance policies

Question 4

zero tolerance policies

Answer 4

Zero Tolerance Policing involves strictly enforcing penalties for relatively minor crimes or anti-social behaviour such as begging, drug possession, public drinking.

Question 5

what are criticisms for zero tolerance policies

Answer 5

myth and an excuse for police brutality. zero tolerance polices give the police full reign to discriminate against minorities.

Question 6

why do right realists believe that crime is a real problem

Answer 6

destroys communities, undermines social cohesion and threatens work ethic.

Question 7

what do left realists argue

Answer 7

argue that inequalities are the main cause of crime and we need more community interventions to reduce crime.

Question 8

why do left relists criticise other sociologist for not taking crime seriously

Answer 8

Marxists concentrate on corporate crime.
Neo Marxist Romanticise WC criminals
labelling theorist neglect real crimes

Question 9

lea and young

Answer 9

today’s society is more crime ridden due to relative deprivation from media and advertising, this raises everyone’s perspectives for material possession. those who can’t afford to resort to crime

Question 10

Kinsley lea and young

Answer 10

policing clear up rates are too low

Question 11

criticisms for right realist approach

Answer 11

ignores structural causes of poverty

Question 12

criticism for left realists

Answer 12

relative depravations cannot fully experience crime because not all those who experience it commit crime.

Question 13

young

Answer 13

zero tolerance is a myth peddled by politicians to take the credit for failing crime.

Question 14

Murray

Answer 14

crime rates are increases because of growing under class or “new rabble”. the underclass is growing as a response of welfare dependency. absent fathers mean that boys lack male role models.

Question 15

Wilson and Kelling broken windows article

Answer 15

argues that it is essential to maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime taking hold. any sign of deterioration must be dealt with immediately

Question 16

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 16

Rational Choice Theory states that most criminals are rational actors. If the criminal calculates that the risk of getting caught is low, or that the punishment if caught will not be severe, then they are more likely to commit crime, assuming the reward for doing that crime is high enough. They are rational in that they weigh up the costs and benefits in order to assess whether a crime is worth committing.