Right Realism

• Rational Choice theory - Clarke

  • Argues criminals will engage in crime if the benefits outweigh the cost
  • Yet the costs are currently low
• Biological and Social Factors - Wilson and Hernstein

  • Low intelligence is a cause of crime - biologically determined
• Inadequate socialisation - Murray

  • Creates crime, it is increasing due to underclass / lone mothers
• Solutions

  • Control, containment and Punishment - Zero tolerance policies
  • Situational crime prevention and environmental crime prevention
  • Responsible parenting ‘active citizens‘
  • Tough Punishment
• Wilson and Kelling - ‘Broken window Thesis’

  • Argues that unless ‘incivilities’ are kept minimal, then wider anti social behaviour and more serious crimes will follow
  • If you live in a well kept area, you l want to maintain it
  • Advocates that the police adopt a policy of ‘zero-tolerance’ and tough punishment or even minor crimes