Realist theories Crime and Deviance

Using the whiteboards write down your answers to the quiz questions

Question 1 I believed that crime had some very positive functions. Who am I ? Durkheim

Question 2 Structural Factors What factors did Merton believe made society unequal. Structural Factors

Question 3 This is one adaption to the strain of inequality identified by Merton in whichindividuals accept the culturally approved goals and strive to achieve them legitimately. Conformity

Question 5 Status Frustration Cohen came up with this key theory which summarises the concept deviance as a lower class phenomenon. Status Frustration

Question 6 What is the name of the subculture which provides youths with an apprenticeship for a career in utilitarian crime. Criminal

Question 7 Deviance amplification This occurs when a crime or deviant act is publicised in order to create a moral panic. Deviance amplification

Question 8 Deterministic The labelling theory has been criticised on this ground as it assumes that once labelled an individual will pursue a criminal career. Deterministic

Why people commit crime in the first place. Question 9 Although the labelling theory explains how labelling can affect and influence someone towards a life of crime, what does it fail to explain? Why people commit crime in the first place.

Realist theories You will be able to: Understand the differences between realist and other approaches to crime, Understand the main features of right and left realist approaches to crime, Evaluate the strengths and limitations of right and left realist approaches to crime.

Realist theories intro

Realist theories of crime & deviance Different to labelling theory and critical criminology which see crime as socially constructed Crime is a real problem that need to be tackled They argues that has been a significant rise in crime rate (street crime, burglary & assault) Fear of crime Other theories fail to offer realistic solutions to the problem of crime

Emergence of realist approaches 1960’s & 70’s Thatcher (UK) Reagan (USA) These governments favoured reducing the welfare state ‘Get tough’ stance on crime Increased use of prison & death penalty in US ‘short sharp shock’ approach to youth crime

Left Vs Right realism We can divide realist approaches along political lines Right realism – share New Right and Neo- conservative political outlook Left realism – are socialists which favour different policies for reducing crime

The Learning Pyramid: Average Retention Rates How do we teach? Much of what takes place in the classroom is teachers giving explanations. However, research shows that encouraging pupils to give explanations and using it as learning tool will support their learning further.

Left Vs Right realism Right realism Left realism Taking crime seriously The causes of crime Late modernity, exclusion and crime Tackling crime

Your task Read through your handout Select the key points Discuss these in your group Think about the best strategy for teaching your topic Poster Power point Individual/ group Think of one activity to assess your students learning

Summary Complete your gap fill to give a summary realist theories