Criminology Theory - Rational Choice Theory Free Essay Example.
Rational choice theory is focused on the principle of expected utility, which maintains that all people make rational decisions that are based on the extent to which they expect their choice to maximize their benefits (Cote, 2002, p. 285). This theory helps to better understand the major decisions to commit crime. In addition, it is known that rational choice theory examines criminal behavior.
Rational choice theory is a core theoretical model in the fields of political science, economics, sociology, and psychology, yet many criminologists continue to doubt its applicability as a general theory of crime. Some critics claim that RCT, which is a theory that highlights the rational weighing of the pros and cons of a certain action, is suitable in other fields like economics but may be.
Rational choice theory denies any type of reasoning for an action other than that people weigh out possible outcome. The theory states that any and all law violating behavior should be looked at as an individual that makes a decision based on their situational factors such as valuable items, money or living necessities. Crime is directly related with the choice of an individual. Rational.
Ronald Clarke, one of the earliest proponents of Rational Choice as a theory of Criminology contends that “crime is purposive behavior designed to meet the offender’s commonplace needs for such things as money, status, sex, excitement, and they meeting these needs involves the making of (sometimes quite rudimentary) decisions and choices, constrained as they are by limits of time and.
A deterrence, or rational choice theory of crime (let’s call it RCT), is none of these things, and because deterrence theory can be considered a subtype of RCT, this research paper’s discussion will mostly focus on the latter. Deterrence can be thought of as a subtype of RCT because they share a great deal of common conceptual ground, with RCT being a more general theory than deterrence.
The rational choice theory looks at personal traits, the structing of crime, choosing the place of their crime, and choosing the victims for the criminal act. Therefor criminals us many ways and thoughts and choices before going and caring out their criminal act against their victims.
Rational Choice Theory Essay Sample. The rational choice approach to crime causation is composed of several different concepts. According to this theory, criminal behavior is the product of careful thought and planning. Offenders choose crime after considering both personal factors-money, revenge, thrills, entertainment- and situational factors.