Detailed textbook notes on Realist Theories of Crime for AQA Alevel Sociology, Crime and Deviance
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Topic 4 – Realist Theories of Crime:
Right Realism:
Right realism sees crime as a real and growing problem that destroys communities,
undermines social cohesion and threatens society’s work ethic
Their views correspond closely with those of neo-conservative governments during
the 1970s and 1980s
Causes of Crime:
Biological Differences:
Wilson and Hernstein suggest some people are innately, more strongly predisposed
to commit crime than others
Argue that another main cause of crime is low intelligence as this is also biologically
determined
Socialisation and the underclass:
Murray argues that the most crime is committed by the underclass who are defined
by their deviant behaviour and who fail to socialise their children properly
A recent upsurge in lone-parent families has led to poor socialisation and
encouraged these people to be welfare dependent
Rational Choice theory:
Clarke suggests that people rationalise their choice the commit crime by weighing
up the costs against the benefits
If the benefits outweigh the costs then they will commit crime
Tackling Crime:
Right realists believe the way to deal with the causes of crime is through practical
measures that make crime less attractive
They focus on control, containment and punishment rather than the underlying
cause (such as biology) as these cannot be changed
Their crime prevention policies therefore centre around increasing the costs of
crime to the offender
o E.g. greater use of prison and ensuring punishment follows soon after the
crime has been committed to ensure maximum deterrent effect
Wilson and Kelling argue that its essential to maintain the orderly characteristics of
neighbourhoods to prevent crime from becoming an issue
o This means that any sign of deterioration must been instantly dealt with
o Believe in a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for ‘undesirable’ behaviour such as
prostitution and drunkenness
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