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Compare And Contrast Rational Choice And Routine Activities Theory

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1. Compare and contrast rational choice and routine activities theories how they would explain street level drug sales, petty theft, and DUI.
These theories are similar because they both explain crime and the different reason, and influences individuals have when they commit crime. These theories also commit crime differently with different influences.
Rational choice and routine activies are macro leveled choices they are different in many ways.Rational choice theory is based off of the fundamental tenets of classical criminology, which hold that people freely choose their behavior and are motivated by the avoidance of pain and the pursuit of pleasure and benefits. Rationa choice provides a micro perspective on why individual offenders decide …show more content…

According to Felson and Cohen the reason for the increase is that prosperity of contemporary society offers more opportunities for criminal behaviors to occur. According to this theorectical perspective, there are three main elements nessary for a crime to occur. Motivated offenders mustcome in contact with suitable targets in the absence of capable guradians. These three elements must converge in time and space for a crime to occur.This theory gives off a macro perspective on crime in that it predicts how changes in social and economic conditions influence the overall crime and victimization rate. Cohen and Felson felt criminal activities are not structurally significant phenomenon, meaning that the crime is not random but more calculated. The choice is influenced by the offenders perception of the targets vulnerability and accessability. This also means that the criminal motivations can be reduced if offenders perceive that there are alternative to crimes. The presence of capable guradians are also to deter criminal …show more content…

Using the ideas from the situational crime prevention chapter, come up with 2 policy recommendations that could be used to control each of the crimes listed above (6 policy recommendations total). You will get 2 extra points if none of your policies are police-based.
Street level drug sale

Mandatory stop and search only with possible suspicion- In specific places like stores and restaurants. These stop and searches would be conducted from the restaurants and store employees only. If the individual denies to be search then the store is allowed to kick customer out. This would deter the individual from carrying drugs around.
Petty theft
More surveillance cameras in specific location where there is a lot of theft.
Security, (similar to neighborhood watch) These individuals keep a look out on the business, to try to deter and reduce theft
Both policies would increase the efforts to commit the crime, because the offender would have to dodge cameras and security.
DUI

Mandatory DUI Program – This program would be for adults and children, that informs individuals monthly on the dangers drinking and driving can

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While a few theories are not as regular, others have developed and are utilized as a part of numerous criminal reviews today. Cutting edge criminologists consolidate the most important aspects of sociology, psychology, anthropology, and biological theories to advance their comprehension of criminal behavior. Rational choice theory, psychological, biological, and strain theory are used to analyze the

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Routine activity theory presents a systematic approach to comprehending the dynamics of criminal behaviour. According to this theory, three key elements must align for a crime to take place: a motivated offender, a suitable target,

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Within the past couple of decades, criminologists have developed different criminological theories that apply to the social behaviors and decisions of criminals. One of the earliest theories developed regarding criminality is the rational choice theory, in which describes the rationalization of determining if the rewards from committing the crime outweigh the consequences. In Scarver’s case, his decision to engage in criminal activities outweighed the potential consequences, or the other alternatives if he did not engage in such criminal activities. In addition to the rational choice theory, Scarver’s criminality can be related to the social disorganization theory, which describes the influence of one’s social and physical environment on one’s decision to commit a crime. Lastly, the strain theory can be related to Scarver’s criminality as well, as it is used to describe an individual who lacks the means to obtain such goals, and aspirations, so therefore, he or she engages in criminal activities to acquire the goals.

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Thus, strain and disjunction of expectations and unrealistic goals of the permanent residents could have resulted in the jump in property crime in Wortropolis from 1980-2000. The logic of rational choice theory demonstrates the jump in violent and property crime in Wortropolis from 1980-2000. Rational choice theory is “the view that delinquent behaviour is a rational choice made by a motivated offender who perceives the chances of gain as outweighing any perceived punishment or loss.” (Siegel & McCormick, 2016, p.126).

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Robert Agnew established a crime causation principle around two major concepts. Both ideas results are directly related to crime and show the relationship between the constraints of crime and the motivation for the crime. The model reflected when the restrictions against crime are small, and the incentives for crime are high, crime will exist. Constraints in the form of sanctions and lack of internal control can progress criminality. The motivations, incentives, stimulants represent the rewards that are elevated through crime.

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Third, I will explore Farrell 's critique of Hayward 's article and consider his arguments made in response to Hayward 's conclusions. Fourth, this paper will engage in its own critique of both Hayward 's and Farrell 's work and conclude with which article makes the most compelling argument. Tenets of Rational Choice Theory and Situational Crime Prevention Rational choice theory originated in the Classical School of thinking as it is based on the ideas of utilitarianism, which states that individuals make decisions that provide the greatest pleasure, as well as the ideas of free will and rational thought (Farrell and Hodgkinson, 2015). According to Farrell and

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Rational choice theory (RCT) assumes individuals choose to commit crime based on rational/logical thinking and calculations (maximizing profits and minimizing losses). An offender, such as a burglar, might plan to rob a home while the family is away (high profit from stealing and little chance of getting caught). To believe that this is the only reason why criminals offend is preposterous and myopic; it is only a small sliver of the basis of crime. Rational choices are implemented by offenders (sometimes), but other causes include but are not limited to: economic disparity, substance abuse, family factors, biological factors/genetic influences, mental illnesses, opportunity (easy target to hit), perceptions of the punishment (is the offender

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In a nutshell, situational crime prevention theories assume that greater opportunities lead to more crime also, easier or less risky opportunities attract more perpetrators. Situational prevention theories are greatly influenced by other sociological theories on crime such as rational choice theory, routine activity theory, and crime pattern theory among others. According to rational choice theory, offenders focus on suitable targets while weighing the risks and benefits of their criminal activities in the absence of effective controls before committing any crime. For example, an armed robber will target a wealthy family who have a poor or weak home security system as against a less wealthy family who live in slum notoriously known for lynching criminals. Routine activity theory on the other hand, argues that crime occurs due to the existence of three main variables.

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