Examples Of Rational Choice Theory In Goodfellas

In class, we watched a scene from the film Goodfellas. The scene was about Henry Hill as a kid how he got introduced to the gangster lifestyle. Throughout this essay, I will explain three behavioral theories, how it applies to a criminal behavior and Goodfellas. Rational choice theory is Attempts to explain all (conforming and deviant) social phenomenon in terms of how self-interested individuals make choices under the influence of their preferences. It treats social exchange as similar to an economic exchange where all parties try to maximize their advantage or gain and to minimize their disadvantage or loss. RCT's basic premises are that human beings base their behavior on rational calculations, they act with rationality when making choices, their choices are aimed at optimization of their pleasure or profit. An example of Rational choice theory applying to criminal behavior would be a criminal who sells drugs for the goal of money but also weigh out the risk of getting caught. The scene from Goodfellas that applied to rational choice theory was where Henry blew up cars in the parking lot with the goal of making money and didn’t care about the risk of his dad finding out.

The lower-class subculture has a unique set of values and beliefs, which are invariably in conflict with conventional social norms. An example of cultural deviance applying to criminal behavior because the theory reflects how the subculture is attractive to many youths in the inner city because role models such as drug dealers, thieves, and pimps are so readily observable. The scene from Goodfellas that applies to cultural deviance theory is where Henry talks about his dad not understanding that he was a part of something and how he felt he finally belonged