Rational Choice Theory Of Crime

For many decades and centuries there has been a debate within the criminologists population about the causes to become a criminal. Throughout time, people have tried to come to a conclusion about what could be the cause for crime. It was perceived that there was one single cause for someone to commit a crime, whether it was robbery or murder. The reason in the 17th century would be that, the accused is possessed(Causes of Crime). As technology and society advanced, many criminologists began to have a different perspective. There is a combination of influences that contribute to the willingness of a person to commit a crime, such as biological and social factors. Criminologists have generated many theories to describe the reasoning of committing …show more content…
Criminologists who believe in this theory also state that perceived violation benefits outweighs the punishment of committing a crime for a criminal. The theory implies that an increment of punishment severity would lower crime rate(Causes of Crime-ODU).Two subcategories of Choice Theory are Rational Choice Theory and Routine Activity Theory. Rational Choice Theory is the idea that societal behaviour patterns reflect individual choices and the pros and cons of their actions(Causes of Crime-ODU). Whereas Routine Activity Theory focuses on the likelihood of crimes occurring in certain situations(Causes of Crime-ODU). For example, you are more likely to be robbed on the streets than in a locked …show more content…
As well, criminal behaviour varies with reward and punishment experience. Therefore, any rewards for deviance leads to crime, is called Social Process Theory. Whereas Differential Association theorists believe that if the way you learn most behaviour is alike learning how to commit a crime, and exposure to negative attitudes and values of crime, a crime will be committed. Social Control Theory expresses that majority of people will not carry crimes based on social bonds. If there is a weakening in social bonds, crime can rise. Therefore, these theorists believe in school prevention programs, counseling, societal bonds and family involvement to control crime(Causes of Crime-ODU).

Victimization Theory is the final theory that will be discussed. Examining the role victims play in encouraging or provoking crime lead to this theory(Causes of Crime-ODU). The lifestyle and routine of victims are analyzed and theories were composed from the results. The Lifestyle Theory believes that certain lifestyles increase exposure to criminal offenders. Partying and drug use are some lifestyles that increase likelihood of violent crime involvement. Routine activity theory state three factors produce crime; motivated offenders, suitable targets and lack of capable