right realist theory of crime

• realist view on crime

  for realists crime is a real social problem that requires solutions
• right realist view on traditional criminology

  right realists like Wilson argue that the most traditional criminology is unhelpful for policymakers
• what idea did Murray develop?

  the idea of the underclass
• what type of sociologist is Murray?

  New Right
• Murray's view on crime

  he suggested that the welfare state created dependency and that there were incentives that encouraged single parent households

  he argued that young boys grew up without a male role model and without the example of paid employment
• what did Murray argue that dependency led to?

  he argued that this led to a criminal underclass that are job-less, dysfunctional and welfare dependent
• how do right realists share the same view as Hirschi?

  they argue that firm tight-knit communities help prevent crime

  they argue that crime needs to be dealt with through zero tolerance policies in order to maintain social order in communities
• idea of the broken windows theory

  the idea that where there is one broken window left unreplaced there will be many
• what is the meaning of the physical symbol of the broken window?

  a broken window is a physical symbol that the residents of a particular neighbourhood don't care about their environment and that low level deviance is tolerated
• how has the broken windows theory influenced policies?

  the theory influenced policymakers in New York and their response was zero tolerance policing

  the idea is that low level crime shouldn't be tolerated and penalties need to be given to deter more severe crime
• evaluation of the broken windows theory

  the crime levels in New York fell rapidly

  some accused the theory for achieving control without justice because people were being put in prison for a long time after a minor offence
• evaluation of right realism

  postmodernists would criticise the theory that offenders weigh up the cost and benefits of crime because they believe that the thrill of taking risks is why people commit crime
• Wilson's view of crime

  he argued that if the benefits exceed the costs of crime people will commit

  therefore if punishments are harsher crime is likely to be reduced
• three causes of crime by right realists

  biological differences - some are more predisposed to commit crime

  inadequate socialisation - Murray = deviant underclass who fail to socialise their children

  rational choice - free will
• whose idea was the broken window theory?

  Wilson and Kelling