Rational Choice Theory Rational Choice Theory is rooted in economic theory beginning with Adam Smith's presentation Wealth of Nations in 1776, where he explains that people make decisions based on the benefit to self. In the 1960’s, Gary Becker macroeconomically analyzed rational choice in his explanation of criminal behavior subsequently, what was once a method to understand product selection consequently became popularized criminal theory whereby criminal acts are viewed as rational processes driven by deliberate choice (Becker, 1968). Offenders are thought to commit a crime based on the likelihood of being caught as opposed to the severity of punishment if caught and overall consideration to the rewards of the crime. Moreover,
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Theorizing that if the penalty is severe enough, no one will choose to commit the crime and without risk, there would be no crime (Dahlbäck, 2003). Conversely, it is also possible to consider that without opportunity, there would be no crime. Fear of punishment is, therefore, an important factor in Rational Choice and is theorized to deter criminality. Deterrence is defined in two types, specific and general deterrence. Specific deterrence occurs after an offender is caught and punished, the punishment they receive prevents them from further criminal acts. General deterrence takes place when others gauge the penalty of the offender, thereby inhibiting others since they do not want a similar punishment. Deterrence seeks to inhibit crime because people will be afraid of the punishment (Bouffard, Exum, & Collins, 2010). As behavior become more criminalized so have punishments increased. Rational Choice has been found that individuals when allowed to choose outcomes, most people will choose their pleasure, with hedonistic expectations (Bouffard, Exum, & Collins, 2010). Rational Choice can be evidenced in certain crimes. How does opportunity, risk affect choice? What constraints were present that forced this choice? One substantial explanation that corresponds to Rational Choice is that choice is dependent on opportunity. In situations where there is a low risk of getting caught, self-control can be significant in avoiding criminal conduct (Seipel, &Eifler, 2008). Crime considers as a matter of choice must also examine the risk of getting caught and the punishment involved (Dahlbäck, 2003). Testing Rational Choice Theory depends on severity of punishment and swiftness of punishment. Benefit of the crime is subjective since social status can influence as well determine benefit. However,
each …show more content…
Theorizing that if the penalty is severe enough, no one will choose to commit the crime and without risk, there would be no crime (Dahlbäck, 2003). Conversely, it is also possible to consider that without opportunity, there would be no crime. Fear of punishment is, therefore, an important factor in Rational Choice and is theorized to deter criminality. Deterrence is defined in two types, specific and general deterrence. Specific deterrence occurs after an offender is caught and punished, the punishment they receive prevents them from further criminal acts. General deterrence takes place when others gauge the penalty of the offender, thereby inhibiting others since they do not want a similar punishment. Deterrence seeks to inhibit crime because people will be afraid of the punishment (Bouffard, Exum, & Collins, 2010). As behavior become more criminalized so have punishments increased. Rational Choice has been found that individuals when allowed to choose outcomes, most people will choose their pleasure, with hedonistic expectations (Bouffard, Exum, & Collins, 2010). Rational Choice can be evidenced in certain crimes. How does opportunity, risk affect choice? What constraints were present that forced this choice? One substantial explanation that corresponds to Rational Choice is that choice is dependent on opportunity. In situations where there is a low risk of getting caught, self-control can be significant in avoiding criminal conduct (Seipel, &Eifler, 2008). Crime considers as a matter of choice must also examine the risk of getting caught and the punishment involved (Dahlbäck, 2003). Testing Rational Choice Theory depends on severity of punishment and swiftness of punishment. Benefit of the crime is subjective since social status can influence as well determine benefit. However,