Rational Choice Theory, Routine Activities Theory And Crime Pattern Theory

As we’ve learned crime is not completely random, and offenders take several factors into consideration such as when, where, and how they will commit a crime, before they decided to offend. To better understand the why and the how behind crime, we must first focus on understanding the three primary theoretical principals associated with crime prevention. The use of basic premises such as rational choice theory, routine activities theory, and crime pattern theory have helped criminologist establish direct correlations between offender’s psychological state of mind and crime prevention as it provided answers to more in-depth issues associated with crime. Rational choice theory embodies a framework that shifts between social and economic behavior. Choice theory states a person will make a logical decision that not only brings them the most satisfaction, but also allow them to achieve their goals. This theory assumes that an individual take available information evaluate potential cost and benefit their choice and knowingly consider an option that although might bring dire circumstances and determine …show more content…
There are two key components in crime pattern theory the first is environmental backcloth which refers to conditions such as social, economic, cultural, and physical in which people operates. The second is social/crime template these components focuses on understanding a person’s behavior as it pertains to a certain time and place, allowing us to better understand what type of behavior will occur at certain time and place and what type of behavior will be associated with the occurrence of crime. A person’s routine activity will give them knowledge about their environment and help them utilize that knowledge to incorporate nodes, paths, and awareness space to commit a