Right Realists

Subdecks (1)

Cards (12)

  • Wilson & Kelling - Right Realist

    • Crime flourishes in communities where 'broken windows' are left unrepaired as it signals that nobody is taking responsibility for their environment.
    • 'Broken windows' refer to signs of disorder and lack of concern for others - e.g. graffiti, vandalism, rowdy behaviour.
    • Parallel to abandoned buildings (never only one window broken)
  • Wilson & Kelling are criticised for failing to explain why crime and deviance exists in the first place. A.Cohen and Willis offer an actual explanation!
  • Clarke - Right Realist

    • The decision to commit crime is based on a rational calculation of the likely consequences of being caught E.g. balancing the rewards of theft against the consequences of being caught (prison)
    • Crime is increasing because the perceived costs of crime are low - needs increased surveillance cameras
  • Postmodernist Katz suggests that crime is committed for the thrill - not a rational choice. E.g. Winona Ryder caught shoplifting in 2001
  • Hirschi- Right Realist

    People commit crime when their attachment to society is weakened.
    4 Social bonds that hold people to society:
    1. Commitment = personal investments
    2. Attachment = how much we care about other people's opinions
    3. Belief = moral standards
    4. Involvement = how busy we are
  • A criticism of Hirschi's theory is that social bonds can sometimes actually lead an individual into crime. Attachment can lead to peer pressure or subcultures.
  • Thatcher/Reagan
    • Focus on law and order in 1980s by governments
    • Crime was due to weak policing and soft punishments
    • UK prison population peaked in 2010 at 85,000 - 90% increase since 1993
  • Zimbaro proved Wilson & Kelling's broken windows theory - left a damaged vs a non-damaged car and found the damaged car was always more vandalised whilst the other was left untouched.