Rational Choice Theory: Choosing White Color Crimes

According to the text, Rational Choice Theory is comprised of two main thoughts, and they are, although people consider and are fully aware of the repercussion of the crimes they are about to commit, they proceed with the act, the second thought is that people will chose to commit a crime if they believe the benefit is greater. (Vito, 2007). In an article titled “Choosing White Color Crimes”, the rational choice theory has always been the acceptable method of interpreting and sustaining programs that help to combat crime (Shover, n.d.). Criminologists, Derek Cornish and Ronald Clark, clarify the two categories of the decision making process, the first one being criminal involvement, and the second one being criminal event.

In

criminal involvement the person debates over whether or not to commit the crime. Criminal event means that the person has made the decision to commit the time and they are formulating how and what to do in order to commit the crime. The primary text states that a rational person may choose to commit a crime for several reasons, they include background, education level, their upbringing, and the need to secure a friendship or excitement. In an interview conducted with burglars that were incarcerated, the inmates stated that when they did decide to commit a crime, they seldom thought about what the punishment would be if they were caught (Vito, 2007). In regards to violence and drugs with the rational choice theory when considering the benefit portion of the theory. I do believe that people do make a conscience decision to resort to violence and drugs. I think that in order to assault someone they had to consider whether or not they were physically able to assault someone or would they need a weapon.

In conclusion, in regards to the Rational Choice Theory in criminology, a person makes the decision to commit a crime even though they are aware of the consequences. I do believe that people use partial rationalization skills when they choose to commit a crime because they never thoroughly consider what may happen to them if they ae apprehended. Critics of the rational choice theory believe this philosophy is flawed for two reasons. First, there are no practical tests conducted that prove people have fully thought out the consequences of their crime. Second, is the issue of using words like morals and temperament because they have been used by others to explain different theories (Vito, 2007)