Right realist explanations of crime and deviance

• What do Right Realists see as a growing problem that undermines social cohesion?

  Street crime
• Why do Right Realists believe people are inclined towards criminal behavior?

  Because they are individualistic and greedy, seeking to further their interests
• What are the three theories that explain the causes of crime according to Right Realists?

  1. Underclass Theory
  2. Control Theory
  3. Rational Choice Theory
• What characterizes the underclass according to Right Realists?

  They are a distinct lower-class subculture that subscribes to deviant and criminal values
• What is the role of the government in the emergence of the underclass?

  The government is responsible due to welfare dependency undermining commitment
• How does the underclass family structure contribute to crime according to Right Realists?

  They lack moral values and often have single mothers who are irresponsible parents
• What is the consequence of an absent father in the underclass according to Right Realists?

  It leads to a lack of male role models, causing young males to turn to negative influences
• What did Charlesworth's study reveal about the economic conditions of the underclass?

  It found miserable economic conditions and many unemployed individuals suffering from depression
• What are the four controls that stop people from committing crime according to Control Theory?

  1. Attachment – family relationships
  2. Commitment – investment in education and career
  3. Involvement – active participation in community life
  4. Belief – strong commitment to moral values and rules
• What does Rational Choice Theory suggest about the decision to commit crime?

  It is based on a rational calculation of likely consequences
• According to Right Realists, why has the crime rate increased?

  Because the perceived costs of crime are currently low
• What personality traits are mentioned as predispositions to commit crime?

  Aggressiveness, risk-taking, and low intelligence
• What is the Right Realist approach to tackling crime?

  • Focus on practical measures to make crime less attractive
  • Reduce rewards of crime and increase its costs
  • Advocate for a 'zero tolerance' policy towards undesirable behavior
  • Emphasize police control to ensure safety for law-abiding citizens
• What do Wilson and Kelling argue is necessary to prevent crime in neighborhoods?

  Keeping neighborhoods orderly and addressing signs of deterioration immediately
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Right Realism in addressing crime?

  Strengths:

  • Addresses immediate causes of crime
  • Provides policies for reducing opportunities for crime

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Does not address wider structural causes of crime
  • Lacks empirical evidence for the existence of the underclass
  • Ignores white-collar and corporate crime
  • Contributes to class inequality in victimization