The Criminological Theory of Rational Choice - Essay Example

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Summary

The paper "The Criminological Theory of Rational Choice" states that the theory of rational choice assumes that people commit crimes after determining the extent of the pain or punishment of their action and if it is worth the pleasure or reward they are likely to obtain after the act …

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The Criminological Theory of Rational Choice

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Subject: Law
Type: Essay
Level: Ph.D.
Pages: 1 (250 words)
Downloads: 4
Author: boylelaurel

Extract of sample "The Criminological Theory of Rational Choice"

High punishment deters criminal acts and hence very minimal.

As it is commonly known, those who are unemployed lack the basics of sustaining themselves such as daily upkeep and decent housing. Because of this, they are likely to be involved in violent crimes to get what they want. The same thing applies to school dropouts who lack the skills that employers look for in their employment.

Lastly, the theory is based on cost-benefit analyses among the offenders (Ahmad, 2014). Residents living in recession areas weigh the impact of violent crimes to obtain what they want with the punishment they are to get. In most cases, some of them commit violent crimes and run before being caught. This encourages them to continue with the act since the benefit is high compared to the cost because they are not caught. Hence, the unemployed, poverty-stricken, and school dropouts are more likely to commit violent crimes often compared to others.

In conclusion, the rational choice theory of crimes assumes that human beings are rational actors who calculate and weigh their behaviors before committing a crime. They indulge in violent crimes after considering the impact in terms of pleasure versus pain. Hence, those in informal settlements characterized by unemployment, poverty, divorce, and school dropouts among other characteristics will always commit crimes to obtain the pleasure they need. Read More