Rational Choice Theory In Criminology

We live in a world where theories provide convincing rationalizations to why individuals commit numerous crimes. Many theories have been developed to clarify such criminal behavior. A theory is able to explain crime at different levels of capacity amongst various groups. Some might argue that individual characteristics such as poverty, opportunism, and a tendency for violence were the primary factors contributing to the criminal underworld. The actuality of criminals and their behavior poses many unanswered questions connected to the cause and effect of how the human mind works. In order for criminology to understand crime in general and violent crime in particular, they must account for both the individual criminal behavior as well as their …show more content…
Our environment dismembers that slate by dissecting the perspective of what is right and wrong. Criminologist argues that certain offenders are born to create crimes in the environment due to decision making, discrimination, and emotional disorders. As a result, this may defend the cause of crimes. Many theories have been developed over the years. An example of a theory as to how crime is caused is the rational choice theory. This theory inter twine with the classical theory. In the rational choice theory, people generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime after weighing the potential risks of getting caught and punished. The classical theory picks up by suggesting that individuals think before they proceed with committing a crime. According to this theory, criminal behavioral to engage in criminal activity, are based on purposeful decisions that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. These two theories examine and individual thought before committing a crime. They concluded that when one commits a crime it is due to the individual deciding that it was to his advantages to committing the crime. The individual commits the crime from his own free will by being well aware of the punishment and consequence of his decision. The rational choice theory brings it home by reiterating that the pleasure of the reward, from the act, out weighed the pain or