Right realism

• Right realists see crime, especially street crime as a growing problem.
• Right realists are mainly concerned with practical solutions to reduce crime.
• Right realists believe the best way to reduce crime is through control and punishment.
• Right realists reject the Marxist view that poverty is the cause of crime. They argue that crime is a product of 3 factors; biological differences between individuals; inadequate socialisation; and offending is a rational choice.
• Biological differences

  According to Wilson and Herrnstein, biological differences make some individuals more likely to commit crime. In their view personality traits associated with criminality, such as aggressiveness, risk-taking or low intelligence, are innate.
• How can effective socialisation reduce the chances of someone offending?

  By teaching them self-control and correct values.
• Right realists see the nuclear family as the best agency of socialisation.
• According to Murray, the nuclear family is being undermined by generous welfare benefits. He claims this has led to a steady rise in welfare-dependent lone parents. Fathers no longer need to remain in the home and take responsibility as the state does it for them.
• The Underclass

  Murray argues that welfare dependency is creating an ‘underclass’ who fail to socialise children. Absent fathers mean boys lack discipline and a role model. As a result, boys turn to delinquent role models in street gangs and gain status through crime.
• Rational Choice Theory

  This assumes that we are rational beings with free will. Deciding to commit a crime is a choice based on rational calculation of the consequences: weighing the risks/costs against rewards/benefits.
• Right realists argue the crime rate is high because perceived costs of crime are low. Little risk and severe punishments.
• Felson's routine activity theory - argue for crime to occur 3 factors are necessary:

  1. A motivated offender
  2. A suitable target
  3. The absence of a 'capable guardian'
• One problem is that if RCT is correct, offenders may act rationally and just move. This is called displacement - crime doesn't decline, it just moves.