right realism

Biological differences AO1

Wilson- inner city males are the main causes of crime. They’re more biologically predisposed to commit crime. This is a result of the breakdown of the nuclear family, men are no longer properly socialised so they’re more likely to commit crimes

Marsland=school and religion have been less effective in social control. There has been a decline in morality which has increased crime

Biological differences AO2

Wilson and heinstein= some people are more biologically predisposed to commit crime. Certain personality traits such as low IQ, extrovertism, aggression predispose people to commit crime. Higher rates of inner city street crime amongst young males proves this because they have more of these traits.

Biological differences AO3

Neo-Marxist- inner city young males are scapegoats for capitalist crimes. This shifts attention away from corporate crime and they’re ignored as they benefit those in power. Overemphasis on biological traits.

Lily et al- IQ differences account for less than 3% of differences in offending. There’s no empirical evidence.

Murray and the underclass AO1

Breakdowns in the nuclear family as a result of short term sexual relations within the underclass lead to people being born with no male role model/authority figure which reproduces criminals. This leads to the growing social underclass that fuels criminal activity. Underclass has no desire for paid employment. They prefer to live off benefits or to live a life of crime (drug selling, stealing, prostitution)

Murray and the underclass AO2

Underclass has weak social bonds and little self control. They have nothing to lose (stable employment etc)so they’re more likely to engage in criminal behaviour. Minimal consequence means crime becomes the easy option because no real restraint to behaviour.

Murray and the underclass AO3

Cohen. Status frustration leads to crime because not all crimes are utilitarian such as vandalism. They want respect within a subculture and explains crimes with no financial gain

Wilson rational calculation theory AO1

People weigh up risks/benefits of crime before they commit it. If the benefits outweigh the risks then they commit it. People have free will so committing a crime is a choice.

Clarke=the decision to commit a crime is based on rational calculations of the likely consequences

Wilson rational calculation AO2

Cornish and Clarke= burglars make a number of rational decisions. Best house target. Plan how to get in. Is anyone watching. Likelihood of getting caught.

Wilson rational calculation AO3

If criminals face reprecussions for small crime, they’re less likely to do anything more serious. Small crime=small punishment. Big crime=big punishment. Bigger costs lowers the want to commit crimes.

Three strike rule in California. Failed due to overcrowding in prisons

Wilson community theory AO1

Community is the key to crime prevention. Strong cohesion forms strong social bonds and informal social control. People wont vandalise if they respect their areas and wont steal from their neighbors if they respect them. Links to how people don’t commit crime due to fear of what they’ll lose if caught.

Wilson community AO2

Broken windows theory

Wilson community AO3

Left realists= right realists are over dramatic towards crime.