Wilson- Right Realists

James Q Wilson:

  • Wilson is seen as one of the more influential right-realist thinkers

  • Collaboration with Kellings on Broken Windows theory (1982) and Hernstein (1985) focusing on biological reasons for criminality

  • Also developed rational choice theory (1975)

Rational Choice Theory:

  • Wilson suggested crime was a rational choice that people made after weighing up the risks and rewards of their actions

  • If rewards outweigh risks then people more likely to commit crimes

  • Linked into harsher sentencing and limiting rewards offered by criminal behaviour

Contemporary Example:

  • Initially, fines for not adhering to COVID guidelines were
    £50/£100 - low risk, high reward

  • Increased to £10,000 - high risk, low reward

Broken Windows Theory:

  • Alongside Kellings, Wilson developed the Broken Windows Theory

  • Maintaining the appearance of an area is key to
    upholding law and order

  • Police to target undesirable behaviours

Example:

  • New York in the 1970s and 80s pursued policies of zero tolerance against undesirable behaviour

  • Led to the gentrification of areas of New York - pricing low-income workers out of the area

Biological Differences:

  • Alongside Hernstein, Wilson argued that some people were biologically predisposed to crime

  • Effective socialisation does not always work - some people, such as extroverts, those with impulsive personalities and low intelligence are more likely to commit a crime

Evaluations:

  • Wilson's ideas looked to tackle different approaches to criminal behaviour but were mostly based upon assumptions of lower-class criminality

  • Argued both biological predisposition and agency in making decisions

  • Ignores the impact of policies put forward by the political right that create conditions for crime