Realist Theories of Crime
Right realism Right realism sees crime as undermining social cohesion and a growing problem that
destroys communities
The causes of crime Right realists reject the idea put by Marxists that structural or economic factors such
as poverty and inequality are the causes of crime. Instead, they argue:
• Biological differences
Wilson and Herrnstein argue that crime is caused by a combination of biological and
social factors
Biological differences between individuals make some people innately more strongly
predisposed to commit crime than others. Personality traits like aggressiveness and
extroversion put some people at risk of offending
Similarly, Herrnstein and Murray argue that the main cause of crime is low
intelligence, which they see as biologically determined
• Inadequate socialisation and underclass
Murray argues that the crime rate is increasing because of the growth of an
underclass. These are defined by their deviant behaviour and generally fail to socialise
children properly
Lone mothers are ineffective socialisation agents especially for boys. Fathers absence
means that boys lack male role model . As a result, young males turn to other role
models on the street, gain status through crime
• Rational choice theory
Individuals have free will and the power of reason.
Rational choice theorists like Clarke argue that the decision to commit crime is a
choice based on rational calculation of the likely consequences.
If the perceived rewards of crime outweigh the costs, then people are more likely to
offend. Currently costs are low and that is why the crime rate has increased e.g.
chances of being caught are low and punishments are not harsh enough
Right realists’ solution to for Focus on control, containment and punishment of offenders rather than eliminating
crime: Tackling crime the underlying causes of their offending and rehabilitating
Wilson and Kelling’s article of ‘broken windows’ argues that it is essential to
maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime taking hold. E.g.
vandalism, graffiti should be dealt with immediately
They advocate zero tolerance towards undesirable behaviour e.g., prostitution. The
police should focus on controlling the streets so that law-abiding citizens feel safe
Right realism Right realism sees crime as undermining social cohesion and a growing problem that
destroys communities
The causes of crime Right realists reject the idea put by Marxists that structural or economic factors such
as poverty and inequality are the causes of crime. Instead, they argue:
• Biological differences
Wilson and Herrnstein argue that crime is caused by a combination of biological and
social factors
Biological differences between individuals make some people innately more strongly
predisposed to commit crime than others. Personality traits like aggressiveness and
extroversion put some people at risk of offending
Similarly, Herrnstein and Murray argue that the main cause of crime is low
intelligence, which they see as biologically determined
• Inadequate socialisation and underclass
Murray argues that the crime rate is increasing because of the growth of an
underclass. These are defined by their deviant behaviour and generally fail to socialise
children properly
Lone mothers are ineffective socialisation agents especially for boys. Fathers absence
means that boys lack male role model . As a result, young males turn to other role
models on the street, gain status through crime
• Rational choice theory
Individuals have free will and the power of reason.
Rational choice theorists like Clarke argue that the decision to commit crime is a
choice based on rational calculation of the likely consequences.
If the perceived rewards of crime outweigh the costs, then people are more likely to
offend. Currently costs are low and that is why the crime rate has increased e.g.
chances of being caught are low and punishments are not harsh enough
Right realists’ solution to for Focus on control, containment and punishment of offenders rather than eliminating
crime: Tackling crime the underlying causes of their offending and rehabilitating
Wilson and Kelling’s article of ‘broken windows’ argues that it is essential to
maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime taking hold. E.g.
vandalism, graffiti should be dealt with immediately
They advocate zero tolerance towards undesirable behaviour e.g., prostitution. The
police should focus on controlling the streets so that law-abiding citizens feel safe
