Realism
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 10.1.6
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.
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.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Test yourself on Realism
Who suggests that crime occurs when an offender sees an opportunity to commit crime when the rewards are greater than the risks?
Who claims that subcultures are a response to lacking the means to achieve the cultural goals of society?