Choice Theory in Criminology: Summary and Discussions
Added on 2022-11-11
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Running Head: THEORIES 1
Criminology
Name
Affiliation
Instructor
Date
Criminology
Name
Affiliation
Instructor
Date
Theories 2
Choice Theory
Summary of Choice theory.
This is a theory that is mainly used in criminology. The rational choice
theory has a utilitarian belief whereby human beings are known to have a
reasoning capacity thus making it easy for them to weigh costs, benefits,
consequences and rationale for their decisions. This theory was designed
by Clarke and Corning so that they could be able to seek remedies in the
prevention of crime. Behavioural techniques are mainly used by a
researcher to observe behaviours in society. This is as a result of the
different motives that people use when committing crimes. Committing a
crime can be attributed to one’s behaviour and the decisions he or she
makes. Offenders have been noted to have different motives for their
crimes, methods that they use to carry out the crimes and their target
choices. There is a variety of criminal offenders ranging from burglars,
bank robbers, rapists, as well as pick-pockets. In this theory, crime is
deliberate and calculated. Criminals make conscious decisions so that
they can have maximum profits in their activities. In addition, it is evident
that there is limited rationality amongst criminals when taking part in their
criminal acts.
Limited or bounded rationality is a critical element amongst criminals. This
helps them in seeing how simple their actions will be while considering
different information and alternatives. There is the use of emotional
arousal and cognitive limitations. While in the act, criminals may become
Choice Theory
Summary of Choice theory.
This is a theory that is mainly used in criminology. The rational choice
theory has a utilitarian belief whereby human beings are known to have a
reasoning capacity thus making it easy for them to weigh costs, benefits,
consequences and rationale for their decisions. This theory was designed
by Clarke and Corning so that they could be able to seek remedies in the
prevention of crime. Behavioural techniques are mainly used by a
researcher to observe behaviours in society. This is as a result of the
different motives that people use when committing crimes. Committing a
crime can be attributed to one’s behaviour and the decisions he or she
makes. Offenders have been noted to have different motives for their
crimes, methods that they use to carry out the crimes and their target
choices. There is a variety of criminal offenders ranging from burglars,
bank robbers, rapists, as well as pick-pockets. In this theory, crime is
deliberate and calculated. Criminals make conscious decisions so that
they can have maximum profits in their activities. In addition, it is evident
that there is limited rationality amongst criminals when taking part in their
criminal acts.
Limited or bounded rationality is a critical element amongst criminals. This
helps them in seeing how simple their actions will be while considering
different information and alternatives. There is the use of emotional
arousal and cognitive limitations. While in the act, criminals may become
Theories 3
out of control because of emotional arousal hence having low salient
rational considerations. This is why criminals at times decide to shoot
back at law enforcers or kidnap and take hostage those near them.
Opportunities also lead to a rise in crime. This is when looks at the
socioeconomic status, detection risks, cost benefits as well as situational
contentment. In most cases, accountants, technical experts or politicians
take advantage of their positions to siphon out money or pass laws in
their favour. Tax evasion, drunk driving, traffic violations and corporate
crimes are good examples in this scenario for instrumental crimes. On the
other hand, this theory does not auger well with expressive crimes which
comprise of crimes that based on emotions as well as insufficient rational
thinking. As such, criminals are not bothered by future consequences to
them or those around them. Expressive crimes include assault and
manslaughter.
Article 1 Discussion
According to Paternoster et al, (2017), the choice theory is supported by a
human’s personal or self-interest. It is all about choices that are made for
personal gains. They support this by using the book
Wealth of Nations by
Adam Smith hence basing their research on historical perspectives. The
research was based on two hypotheses. One, that emotional attachment
is key in determining one’s involvement in criminal activities. In addition,
Choice Theory expresses self-interest purely hence the need to consider
rule breaking and feelings. The second hypothesis entails the fact that
individuals who have a lot of self-interest have more possibilities of
out of control because of emotional arousal hence having low salient
rational considerations. This is why criminals at times decide to shoot
back at law enforcers or kidnap and take hostage those near them.
Opportunities also lead to a rise in crime. This is when looks at the
socioeconomic status, detection risks, cost benefits as well as situational
contentment. In most cases, accountants, technical experts or politicians
take advantage of their positions to siphon out money or pass laws in
their favour. Tax evasion, drunk driving, traffic violations and corporate
crimes are good examples in this scenario for instrumental crimes. On the
other hand, this theory does not auger well with expressive crimes which
comprise of crimes that based on emotions as well as insufficient rational
thinking. As such, criminals are not bothered by future consequences to
them or those around them. Expressive crimes include assault and
manslaughter.
Article 1 Discussion
According to Paternoster et al, (2017), the choice theory is supported by a
human’s personal or self-interest. It is all about choices that are made for
personal gains. They support this by using the book
Wealth of Nations by
Adam Smith hence basing their research on historical perspectives. The
research was based on two hypotheses. One, that emotional attachment
is key in determining one’s involvement in criminal activities. In addition,
Choice Theory expresses self-interest purely hence the need to consider
rule breaking and feelings. The second hypothesis entails the fact that
individuals who have a lot of self-interest have more possibilities of
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