One important debate in the Sociology of Crime and Deviance is the question of how we should see criminals – not just in terms of their social or psychological characteristics – but also in terms of the basic nature of criminality:

In this Talking Points podcast Right Realist views of criminals and criminality are contrasted with Lyng's concept of Edgework as part of a wider debate about preventative forms of social control in our society.

Key concepts covered in this podcast:

• Right Realism (Wilson and Kelling)

• Ecological theories

• Rationality

• Discerning consumers

• Cost / Benefit analysis

• Preventative controls

• Edgework

• Risk

• Voluntary risk-taking

• Focal concerns (Miller)