Left and Right realism

Left realism

Similar to marxism where they see inequality and capitalism as a problem, they want gradual change rather than revolution

Leah and young

Causes of crime

1)relative deprivation - poor compared to rest of society(never be able to live at a higher standard)

2) subculture - ability to join a subculture which depends on population density and criminal activities

3) marginalisation - people don’t feel represented by people in power

Young 02

late modern society there is instability, insecurity and exclusion which makes crime worse. late modernity led to a media saturated society where cultural inclusion has led to economic exclusion.

Kinsey, Leah and young

Tackling crime:

police need to spend less time policing and controlling and more time investigating crime in order to gain trust from the public.

Right realism

believe tough control and punishment as a way to stop crime.

Wilson and Hernstein

groups of people with particular traits such as aggressiveness and risk taking are more likely to commit crime than other group

Clarke

decisions to commit crime is based on a rational calculation of the consequences. if the punishment isn’t too strong and there is an opportunity then deviancy will occur.

Felson

‘routine activity theory’ - must be a motivated offender, suitable target and absence of capable guardian. if all align then crime will happen

murray

‘new rabble’ group who are welfare dependent and failed to socialise children properly. due to welfare state improving=more lone parents families where boys seek delinquent role models

right realism solution to crime

wilson and kelling - broken windows policy

-police ‘zero tolerance policy’

-’target hardening’ such as prisons and ensuring punishments follow soon after offence to deter offenders

evaluation of right realism

-zero tolerance policy allows police to discriminate against minority ethnic youth and homeless also results in displacement of crime to other areas.