Rational Choice Theory

"Rational Choice Theory"

Rational choice theory is a framework for understanding and often formally modeling social and economic behavior. Jeremy Bentham and Cesare Beccaria works basically founded the justice system of the United States. Their idea of criminology was a utilitarian one that came to be known as the classical school. This theory was based heavily on the underlying theory of rational choice (Bennett, T). The development of Rational Choice Theory in the 20th century arose out of economic theory. Through such thinkers as Homans, Blau and Coleman it has emerged as an important school of thought. The theory focuses upon the rational calculations carried out by individuals guided by self-interest. Post-modernism, another contemporary theory, is in many ways in friction with rational choice theory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rational choice is seen as nothing but a social construct by the post-modern tradition. Alfred Schutz, a twentieth century phenomenologist, reconciles these two strains of thought to some degree by bringing up the notion of individual perception which encompasses both the social constructs and the drive for self-interest (Scott, John). Rational choice theory adopts quite a different approach to the study of social action, human agency, and social systems and structures.

The classical school promotes punishment for crime as a means of deterrence because people are morally egotistical, they must be afraid of punishment to overpower their natural tendencies towards crime (Cornish and Clarke).

The Classical School held the attention of American criminologists throughout the 19th century, during the enlightenment. About the 1970's, the higher crime rates and public fear called for a resurgence of Classical Theory, this came to be known as Choice Theory. In a 1975 book by James Q. Wilson purported a tough on crime approach, which was readily adopted by politicians of the era and today, to alleviate the fears of the public. This harsh punishment outlook is still present in much of today's political policy (Wilson).

As a basis for all of these theories, and also and extension of these theories is Rational Choice Theory. Rational Choice theory assumes that the criminal is first a rational being. It assumes second that he considers his crime rationally, weighing both personal factors, and situational factors, (Cornish and Clark). Many are confused as to the meaning of these assumptions, especially the latter. When speaking of a criminal considering things rationally, many assume that this is a long process and do not believe that criminals undergo this process. The rational choice approach, however, does not define this as a long process. Rather, it can occur in the matter of a few moments, or can be a plan worked on for months. Some crimes are more difficult to explain using rational choice theory. The first would be drug use. However, one must consider the personal factors and see that, for the drug user, the thrill or excitement is likely to outweigh the likelihood of being caught.

Drug addiction is an unavoidable consequence of these actions, and will then affect the personal factors being weighed before committing a crime. When need for a drug is calculated in, many crimes that would have otherwise been discarded may be committed by this more highly motivated offender. When looking at most crimes where monetary gain is an outcome, it is most obvious why Rational Choice Theory is appropriate.

Rational Choice Theory is a basis for a law in conjunction with social contract theory. The basic utilitarian concepts underlying law are combined with the idea that people are essentially selfish, and thus the laws must be created and enforced to maintain a utilitarian balance. The basic idea of rational choice theory is that patterns of behavior in societies reflect the choices

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