Rational Choice Theory Paper

Rational Choice Theory

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyze one of the six theories of Criminology. I have chosen to write about the Rational Choice Theory which also known as Choice Theory, because most people would ask themselves how could someone commit a crime!

Is crime rational? Or it is more likely to be random acts of criminal opportunity than well-thought-out conspiracies for an economic gain! Was the criminal forced due certain circumstances to do commit a crime or he wanted to do this unlawful act? Was he aware of this crime’s aftermath on him and the victim? Is human nature is that selfish and self-interested so that people would harm others to maximize their own benefits!

I will try to answer these questions in this paper by discussing this theory, its applications and suggestions to prevent crimes. I will also talk about the development of this theory.

Rational Choice Theory

Rational Choice Theory has been a hot topic and most influential and discussed in economy, sociology, political science and criminology. This theory emphasizes the role of enlightened self-interest in individual

However the theory promotes two concepts, Offense and offender. Offense-specific crime is the idea that offenders react selectively to the characteristics of an individual criminal act. Burglary is an example where they consider evaluating the target, police patrol, mobility, guard dogs, escape routes and the presence of occupants.

The other concept is offender-specific crime, which is the idea, that offenders must decide whether they have the prerequisites to commit a successful criminal act. Such as evaluating the necessary skills required to commit the crime, their need for money or other valuables, whether legitimate financial alternatives to crime exist or not, their fears of expected punishment, Physical ability and health and