realist

• How do realist approaches to crime differ from labelling theory?

  Realists see crime as a real problem.
• What concerns do realists have regarding crime's impact?

  They are concerned about fear and victim impact.
• What do realists argue about the crime rate?

  There has been a significant rise in crime.
• What do realists believe about other crime theories?

  Other theories fail to provide realistic solutions.
• What political context influenced the emergence of realist approaches?

  A shift to the right in politics.
• When did realist approaches emerge?

  In the 1970s and 1980s.
• Who were the leaders of the New Right conservative governments?

  Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
• What stance did New Right governments take on crime?

  They favored a 'get tough' approach.
• What is the right realist view on street crime?

  It sees street crime as a growing problem.
• Who is a key theorist associated with right realism?

  James Q. Wilson.
• What did right realists criticize about criminologists' theories?

  They argued that 'nothing works' in curbing crime.
• What shift occurred in official thinking due to right realism?

  Focus shifted to practical crime control measures.
• What do right realists believe about the causes of crime?

  They reject structural or economic factors.
• What three factors do right realists believe contribute to crime?

  Biological differences, socialization, rational choice.
• Who proposed a biosocial theory of criminal behavior?

  Wilson and Herrnstein.
• What personality traits do right realists associate with a higher risk of offending?

  Aggressiveness, extroversion, low impulse control.
• What does effective socialization involve according to right realists?

  Learning self-control and moral values.
• What does Charles Murray argue about the underclass?

  It fails to socialise children properly.
• How does the welfare state contribute to the growth of the underclass?

  It creates welfare dependency and lone parent families.
• What is the impact of absent fathers according to right realists?

  They lead to ineffective socialization for boys.
• What do Bennett et al. argue about crime environments?

  They create vicious, predatory criminals.
• What does rational choice theory assume about individuals?

  They have free will and power of reason.
• What do rational choice theorists argue influences the decision to commit crime?

  Perceived rewards versus perceived costs.
• What do right realists believe about the perceived costs of crime?

  They are often low, leading to increased crime.
• What does Felson's routine activity theory state is necessary for a crime to occur?

  A motivated offender, suitable target, absence of guardian.
• What are some criticisms of the right realist explanation of crime?

  It ignores structural causes and overstates rationality.
• Why might right realism explain utilitarian crime better than violent crime?

  Utilitarian crime involves rational decision-making.
• What do right realists focus on instead of addressing crime causes?

  Practical measures to control and punish offenders.
• What is 'target hardening' in crime prevention policies?

  Making crime less attractive to offenders.
• What does the 'zero tolerance' policy advocate?

  Immediate action against signs of disorder.
• Who argued that maintaining neighborhood order prevents crime?

  Wilson and Kelling.
• What did Jock Young argue about zero tolerance policing?

  Its success was a myth created by politicians.
• What evidence did Young provide against the success of zero tolerance?

  Crime rates were falling before its introduction.
• What do critics say about zero tolerance policing's focus?

  It ignores corporate crime and discrimination issues.
• What is the main belief of left realism regarding crime?

  Crime is a real problem affecting disadvantaged groups.
• How do left realists differ from Marxists in their approach to crime?

  They advocate for gradual change, not revolution.
• What do left realists accuse other sociologists of doing regarding crime?

  Not taking crime seriously enough.
• What is the 'aetiological crisis' according to left realists?

  A crisis in explanation for rising crime rates.
• What do left realists argue about the increase in crime statistics?

  It reflects a real increase in crime, not just reporting.
• Who do left realists believe are the main victims of crime?

  Disadvantaged groups in society.