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Essay / Rational Choice Theory - 1230
There are three main points that are reinforced in rational choice theory (Cornish and Clarke, 1986). First, it may work better or worse for different types of crimes, but it is believed that there are rational choices for every type of crime, even impulsive and pathological crimes. Second, the theory should be applied on a crime-specific basis. Burglaries therefore cannot be grouped between residential and commercial categories. Instead, they should be divided into smaller facets, such as burglaries in social housing or wealthy residential neighborhoods. Finally, a distinction is made between criminal involvement and criminal events. Criminal involvement describes how individuals become involved in crime and continue or refrain from this lifestyle. Criminal events have unique foundations, which are often shorter processes than criminal involvement structures. One of the goals of rational choice theory is to explain all types of crime (Cornish and Clarke, 1986). However, it does not propose that there is an underlying unity between different types of crime like other theories. Rather, these various elements play an important role in explaining why such events occur. Furthermore, it integrates the factors that lead to crime, emphasizes the pattern of decisions throughout a criminal career, and takes into account the situational variables of crime. In comparison, deterrence theory proposes that fear of legal punishment deters people from crime, while rational choices theory assesses the benefits of choosing whether or not to commit a crime (Stafford & Warr, 1993). Cornish and Clarke, 1986). So, in both theories, pain is a reason not to commit crimes. Furthermore, deterrence theory has two children... middle of paper ...... uh, these three points show that development is a constant interaction between self and environment coupled with chance or luck. Recognizing that luck plays a role, or more aptly called “random developmental noise,” is important in showing the importance of randomness in the process. Thornberry (1987) recognizes the weight of social control theory, social learning theory and integrated models. which combines the two. However, there are three limitations. First, causal structures are unidirectional rather than reciprocal. For example, research in social psychology highlights the reciprocal relationship between values and delinquent behaviors. Second, these theories use models that are generally not developmental in nature – focusing only on one age range. Finally, they assume that causal effects in a social structure are similar across the lifespan..