Sociology Chapter: Crime and Realism

Jones notes that right realist policies have failed to prevent the crime rate from rising in the USA.

Traditional Marxists concentrate on crimes of the powerful, neglecting working-class crime and its effects.

Neo-Marxists romanticize working-class criminals as 'Robin Hoods' who steal from the rich as an act of political resistance to capitalism.

<p>Left realists propose developing explanations and practical strategies for reducing crime in the here and now.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'aetiological crisis' is a crisis in the explanation of the rising crime rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They criticize other theories for not offering practical solutions to the problem of rising crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individual biological differences, inadequate socialization and the underclass, and rational choice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Crime is caused by a combination of biological and social functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Murray attributes the increasing crime rate to a growing underclass characterized by deviant behavior and poor socialization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because they often fail to properly socialize their children, especially boys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals have free will and make rational decisions based on the potential consequences of their actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because the perceived costs of crime are low.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maintaining a sense of order in neighborhoods to prevent crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Right realism overestimates the rationality of offenders and their meticulous calculation of costs and benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Young contrasts today's society with the 'Golden Age' of modern capitalist society, which was characterized by stability, full employment, security, and lower crime rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>De-industrialization has led to increased unemployment and poverty, especially among the young and ethnic minorities, destabilizing families and communities and contributing to rising crime rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Young notes that while media promotes cultural inclusion and high expectations for a 'good life,' economic exclusion prevents the poor from achieving these goals, leading to relative deprivation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both Young and Merton argue that society creates crime by setting cultural goals while denying people the opportunity to achieve them by legitimate means.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They criticize the low police clear-up rates and the reliance on military policing, which alienates communities and reduces public support, thus drying up the flow of information needed for effective policing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Today's society is more prosperous and crime-ridden.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relative deprivation and individualism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It undermines the values of mutual support and selflessness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marginalised groups lack clear goals and organisations to represent their interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A group's collective solution to relative deprivation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They address symptoms like anti-social behavior rather than the underlying causes of crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It fails to explain corporate crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because they cannot explain offenders' motives and lack qualitative methods to reveal meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They assume that value consensus exists, and crime occurs when this breaks down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Right realists prioritize social order through a tough stance on offenders, while left realists prioritize justice through democratic policing and reforms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Policing should be more accountable to local communities and deal with local concerns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A multi-agency approach that includes local councils and voluntary organizations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The unequal structure of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Young believes the policies are nostalgic and only address the symptoms of crime, not the underlying causes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They argue that left realism accepts the authorities' definition of crime as street crime committed by the poor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unequal capitalist system</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gradual social change</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Develop explanations of crime that lead to practical strategies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Traditional Marxists</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Romanticizing working class criminals</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>As victims of discriminatory labelling</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relative deprivation, marginalisation, and subculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Feeling deprived in relation to others</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The increase in crime despite improvements in living standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A crisis in explanation for the increase in crime rates</p> Signup and view all the answers