10.1.4

Realism

Test yourself

Right Realism

Right realists believe that the best way to cut crime is to take a tough stance on offenders through crime prevention mechanisms and tough punishments.

Illustrative background for Causes of crimeIllustrative background for Causes of crime ?? "content

Causes of crime

  • Right realists believe that the best way to cut crime is to take a tough stance on offenders through crime prevention mechanisms and tough punishments.
  • They believe in the following causes of crime.
Illustrative background for 1. Biological differencesIllustrative background for 1. Biological differences ?? "content

1. Biological differences

  • Right realists believe that some people are more prone to commit crime based on their genetics.
  • Herrnstein and Murray believe the main cause of crime is low intelligence which is biologically determined.
Illustrative background for 2. Cultural deprivationIllustrative background for 2. Cultural deprivation ?? "content

  1. Cultural deprivation

  • Right realists believe that through effective socialisation, the risk of criminal behaviour can be controlled.
  • However, because of the breakdown of the nuclear family and a generous welfare state, Murray believes an ‘underclass’ of immoral and culturally deprived people have emerged who are the most common criminals. 
Illustrative background for 3. Rational choice theoryIllustrative background for 3. Rational choice theory ?? "content

  1. Rational choice theory

  • Clarke suggests that crime occurs when an offender sees an opportunity to commit crime when the rewards are greater than the risks.
  • Right realists believe crime is increasing because the risks of committing crime are too low to act as an effective deterrence. 

Left Realists

Left realists argue that society should be tough on crime but also tough on the causes of crime to reduce crime in society.

Illustrative background for Causes of crimeIllustrative background for Causes of crime ?? "content

Causes of crime

  • Left realists argue that society should be tough on crime but also tough on the causes of crime to reduce crime in society.
  • They believe the following reasons cause crime.
Illustrative background for 1. Relative deprivation Illustrative background for 1. Relative deprivation  ?? "content

  1. Relative deprivation

  • This refers to when someone feels worse off compared to others, or their own expectations.
  • Young believes the working class are more likely to experience relative deprivation as they feel humiliated when comparing their life chances to the middle class.
Illustrative background for 2. Marginalisation Illustrative background for 2. Marginalisation  ?? "content

  1. Marginalisation 

  • Marginalisation refers to powerlessness that is experienced by some of the most disadvantaged in society.
  • As they are unable to improve their situation through conventional means, some turn to violence and rioting to express their anger and humiliation. 
Illustrative background for 3. SubcultureIllustrative background for 3. Subculture ?? "content

  1. Subculture

  • Lea and Young claim that subcultures are a response to lacking the means to achieve the cultural goals of society.
  • This has led to an increase in street crime as deprived groups have attempted to find a collective solution to their situation.  

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson