Rational Choice Theory Analysis

Analysis: The Rational Choice Theory is a neoclassical theory that assumes offenders decide whether or not to commit a crime by applying their knowledge of potential offender and targets before deciding whether or not to commit a crime. This theory explains that offenders must have an awareness of local law enforcement and the community’s ability to stop crimes. Therefore, in the end they must weigh the gains versus the losses when committing the crime. The theory was expanded by Gary Becker who explains that an offender commits a crime based on the expected utility or monetary value. According to him, an offender’s thought process revolves around the opportunity to earn money and this opportunity shapes when and where or if they will even

In the article, researchers examine the relationship between adolescent maltreatment and its impact on delinquency. It focused specifically on the parent-child relationship and the negative emotions that resulted from these interactions. Researchers used data from the National Survey of Children, which surveyed children in the U.S. ranging from seven years old to eleven years old. Adolescent maltreatment included “physical punishment, parental withdrawal of love, emotional abuse, and absence of parental support. It was found that adolescent maltreatment with the addition of negative emotions, including anger, anxiety, and depression, were a strain that led to delinquency. Even after controlling negative emotions, the parent-child relationships were a strong source of delinquency (Hollist, Hughes, & Schaible,

Applying the theories, I chose to the text allowed me to think critically about what factors truly impacted the fate of both men. While reading the book I found myself amazed by the lives both men lived. It was interesting to read how they were raised in similar circumstances, but if certain aspects of their lives changed their roles might have been reversed. The book impacts me because it relates to my future career choice. In the future, I would like to be a school psychologist to ensure each student receives best support to learn and help teachers teach every student not just one. As I read the text, I wish that there were more qualified professionals available to these students because it could positively impact how the students view themselves and their