Lecture notes
Right Realist Theories
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- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Class notes on right realist theories
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Right Realist TheoriesRight realism is associated with the right-wing neoliberal government of
Margaret thatcher which came into power in 1979, although most of the
governments which followed have adopted more right realist policies.
Right realists reject the idea put forward by Marxists that deeper structural
or economic factors such as poverty are the causes of crime – they mainly
hold that the individual is responsible for crime – although they do not
accept that high levels of ‘social disorder’ and low levels of ‘social
control’ are associated with higher crime rates. Right realism tends to
focus on the individual as being responsible for crime, arguing that we need
to get tough on criminals to reduce crime.
Ron Clarke
Since the end of the world war 11 in 1945 there have been steadily rising
incomes in the UK – but this has been accompanied by rising not falling
crime rates.
If the Marxists are right and crime is caused by poverty, why is it that the
old tend to be poor yet they have a very low crime rate.
Causes of Crime
According to the right realists there are three factors which cause crime:
Biological differences
Underclass/ faulty socialisation
Rational choice theory
Realist theories of crime
Right realist criminology maintains behaviour is a matter of free will and
individual choice. This is in contrast to the left realist approach which
embraces a deterministic perspective – crime is due to social inequality and
oppression.
The notion and determinism are challenged by right realist perspectives of
crime (links to positivist assumptions – Cesare Lombroso and American
and British subculture theories.)
Realist’s challenge many of the ideas put forward by earlier perspectives
which are seen as not addressing the real issues of crime.
Realists focus on crime which is at the centre of public concern e.g., street
crime, violence and burglary.
Realists are also concerned with increasing measures of crime control.
Wilson & Herrnstein (1985)
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