Right realism view

Right realism emerged in the 1970s and 80s and heavily influenced by conservative thinkers and politicians like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. See crime as a real problem that destroys communities, and reject the idea that deeper structural causes (poverty) are the main reasons for crime.

Beliefs of right realism

  1. Biological differences- (Wilson and Herrnstein)

  • Some individuals are more predisposed to commit crime due to personality traits like aggression, low impulse control or risk taking

  • Combine biological factors with poor socialisation as an explanation

Criticisms- Seen as deterministic and potentially discriminatory

  1. Inadequate socialisation/ underclass (Charles Murray)

  • The underclass (Welfare dependent) fail to properly socialise children

  • Rise in single-parent (especially fatherless families) is blamed

  • Lack of a farther figure= lack of discipline, leading to anti-social behaviour

Criticisms- Stereotypes the poor; overemphasises on single mothers

  1. Rational choice theory (Clarke)

  • Criminals are rational actors who weigh up the risks and rewards

  • If the rewards outweigh the risks they choose to commit crime

  • Crime increases when the perceived costs (like getting caught) are low

Implication- Increase surveillance and punishment to deter crime

Right realist solutions to crime

Target Hardening- (CCTV, locks, security)

  • Make it more difficult to commit crime

  • Linked to situational crime prevention

Zero tolerance policing (Wilson and Kelling: ‘Broken windows’ theory)

  • Small signs of disorder (Graffiti, vandalism) lead to more serious crime

  • Police must crack down on all crime to maintain order

Stronger social control

  • Encourage tighter communities, tougher sanctions and more responsible parenting

Criticisms of Right realism

  • ignores structural causes (poverty, inequality, racism)

  • Over focus on petty crime; ignores white collar and corporate crime

  • Exaggerates rationality- Many crimes are impulsive or driven by emotion

  • Zero tolerance can lead to discrimination and over-policing of minor offences