Realism

• What theory did Wilson and Hernstein introduce in 1985 regarding crime?

  Biosocial theory
• According to Wilson and Hernstein, what are the two main factors that contribute to crime?

  Biological and social factors
• How does inadequate socialization contribute to crime according to Wilson and Hernstein?

  It increases the likelihood of individuals committing crime
• What biological factor is mentioned as influencing crime rates among young men?

  Higher aggression levels
• Who argues that the crime rate is increasing due to a growing underclass?

  Charles Murray
• What does Murray attribute the growth of the underclass to?

  Welfare dependency
• How does welfare dependency contribute to single-parent families according to Murray?

  It allows women and children to live off benefits
• What is the consequence of boys being raised by single mothers according to Murray?

  They are inadequately socialized
• What do right realists believe is the best agency of socialization?

  The nuclear family
• How does Murray view the existence of the underclass in relation to society's cohesion?

  It threatens society's cohesion
• What does rational choice theory argue about individuals and crime?

  Individuals have free will to choose whether to commit crime
• What is the proposed solution by Murray to address the issues caused by the underclass?

  Drastically reduce welfare benefits
• According to Roy Clarke, what influences an individual's decision to commit crime?

  A rational calculation of likely consequences
• What do right realists believe needs to happen to reduce crime?

  The costs of committing crime need to be greater than the rewards
• What are the main aims of right realists in tackling crime?

  • Introduce practical measures to make crime less attractive
  • Focus on control, prevention, and punishment of offenders
  • Avoid tackling the root causes of crime
• What are some examples of crime prevention policies proposed by right realists?

  1. Target hardening: Increase security measures
  2. Punishments: Greater use of prison and timely consequences
  3. CCTV: Deter crime by increasing the risk of getting caught
• What does the Broken Windows theory suggest about community maintenance?

  Maintaining communities prevents crime from taking hold
• What is the role of the police according to the Broken Windows theory?

  To clamp down on petty crime and disorder
• What is a zero tolerance policy in relation to crime?

  A policy aimed at not tolerating petty crimes to prevent serious crimes
• What is a criticism of right realists regarding their focus on crime?

  They ignore structural causes of crime like poverty
• What does Jones argue about focusing on petty crimes?

  It shifts police attention away from more serious crimes
• What is a potential consequence of zero tolerance policy policing?

  Displacement of crime to other areas
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and welfare dependency?

  Welfare dependency contributes to the growing crime rate
• What are the key assumptions of right realists regarding the causes of crime?

  • Biosocial theory: Crime is influenced by biological and social factors
  • The underclass: Welfare dependency leads to inadequate socialization
  • Rational choice theory: Crime is a rational decision based on cost-benefit analysis
• What is a criticism of right realist theories regarding impulsive crimes?

  They do not explain impulsive or violent crimes well
• What do right realists believe about the impact of crime on society?

  Crime destroys communities and threatens society's work ethic
• How do right realists view the role of the nuclear family in society?

  As the best agency of socialization
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and personal responsibility?

  People should take responsibility for their own lives
• What do right realists argue about the effectiveness of their proposed solutions to crime?

  They believe their solutions will reduce crime rates
• What is the main focus of right realists in terms of crime prevention?

  Control, prevention, and punishment of offenders
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and socialization?

  Criminal behavior is a result of socialization
• What do right realists believe about the role of the police in society?

  The police should focus on controlling the streets
• What do right realists argue about the impact of crime on law-abiding citizens?

  Crime makes law-abiding citizens feel unsafe
• What is the main argument of the Broken Windows theory?

  Addressing minor issues prevents larger crimes
• What is the criticism of right realists regarding their focus on petty crime?

  They ignore more harmful types of crime
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and economic factors?

  Economic factors contribute to crime rates
• What do right realists believe about the impact of crime on community values?

  Crime undermines values of hard work and personal responsibility
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and social class?

  Crime is more prevalent in lower social classes
• What do right realists argue about the effectiveness of zero tolerance policies?

  They believe it will prevent more serious crimes
• What do right realists believe about the relationship between crime and personal choice?

  Crime is a choice made by rational individuals