Criminology: Rational Choice Theory

Introduction to Rational Choice Theory

• Focuses on rational decision-making in committing crimes.
• Weighs costs and benefits of a situation before deciding to commit a crime.
• Not concerned with psychological or sociological causes of crime.
• Emphasizes opportunities and decision-making in crime.

Key Assumptions

• Assumes many potential offenders are among us.
• Decision to commit crime depends on situational cost-benefit analysis.
• Introduces the concept of "bounded rationality" (limited rational decision-making based on individual experiences).

Analyzing Costs and Benefits

• Costs:
  • Risk of arrest.
  • Social shame and disapproval.
  • Loss of job or education opportunities.
• Benefits:
  • Financial gain from theft.
  • Social respect from peers (e.g., winning a fight).
  • Excitement and thrill from criminal activities.

Crime Prevention

• Focuses on changing situations rather than offenders.
• Aims to reduce benefits of crime relative to costs.
• Known as "situational crime prevention."
• Examples: Using cameras, locks for burglary prevention, limiting alcohol to prevent violence.

Historical Context

• Based on "classical theory" (human free will, maximizing pleasure/minimizing pain).
• Classical theory lost favor in late 19th century to positivist theories (focused on offender motivations).
• In 1970s, return to classical principles due to challenges in rehabilitation.
• Rational Choice Theory is part of "neoclassical theory."

Major Contributors

• Cornish and Clark as influential figures.
• Part of larger "opportunity theory" in criminology.
• Related to "Routine Activities Theory."

Criticisms

• Criticized for oversimplification and lack of focus on emotions and impulsivity.
• Assumes bounded rationality, yet some argue it ignores irrational drivers of crime.

Importance

• Highlights situational factors ignored by other theories.
• Provides a framework for integrating other criminological theories.

Conclusion

• Distinct from other criminological theories due to focus on opportunity and decision-making.
• Offers concrete crime prevention strategies.

Additional Resources

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