right realists

clarke

rational choice theory

argues that the decision to commit crime is a choice based on a rational calculation of the likely consequences of being caught.

right realists argue that currently the perceived costs of crime are low and this is why the crime rate has increased.

criminals perceive there is little risk of being caught or punished

surveillance cameras and other situational crime prevention techniques should be used to put off potential criminals

wilson and kelling

crime will flourish in areas of social disorder

broken window theory

argues that crime flourishes in areas where social control breaks down.

broken window refers to various signs of disorder and a lack of concern for others living in the community such as litter, vandalism or rowdy behaviour

hirschi

attachment to society

focuses sociologists attention on what forces lead to social control or hold peoples behaviours in check

argued that criminal activity occurs when peoples attachment to society is weakened in some way

commitment: refers to the personal investment that each of us makes in our lives?

attachment: to what extent do we care about peoples wishes?

belief: how strong is a persons sense of obedience?

involvement: how busy are we?

Thatcher/raegan

they believed that crime occurred if police were not strong enough and punishment was too soft

police’s reflecting on this view led to the most extraordinary explosion of prison numbers

the prison population in england and wales reached a record label of over 83,000min 2024