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Discuss
your views on rational choice and the validity of this as a criminological
construct. Keep in mind developments in rational choice theory.
Some things to consider are developments with Cornish and Clarke's research
into bounded rationality. Richard Thaler's contributions in economics
play into contemporary thinking on rational choice. He won a Nobel Prize
for it. There is also a more contemporary branch of theory dealing with
game theory although this can be traced back to work done by the RAND
corporation back in the day with theorists like Herman Kahn working on systems
theory and dealing with nuclear war. There are also contemporary debates
raised by individuals like Sepolski in his popular book "Behave"
which deals with neuroscience and rational choice.
Overall,
do you think this is a useful paradigm for considering criminological behavior
and if so, is it testable? After all, almost any behavior can be
explained as rational to the specific actor is bounded rationality is taken
into account. It should be noted that a lot of criminological and
sociological theorists do not like rational choice theory. Is there any
particular reason they would be against it or is it more ideological?
Considering this is the backbone of deterrence theory it is important to
understand this concept and whether it is a good premise in which to form
policy. Discuss the various issues with rational choice theory.
Write something interesting and be sure to respond to at least two posts with
something substantive and not just simply agreeing or disagreeing.
Discuss Your Views on Rational Choice and the Validity of this as a
Criminological constructRational choice is based on the utilitarian
perception that human’s reason and weigh the means and the ends, benefits, and
cost to make a rational choice. An example of a rational choice would be a
criminal who chooses to steal and knowing the punishment but weighs the
consequence of the crime but decides to take it on. When the value on return
upon committing a crime outweighs the decision for not committing the crime,
then the individual may choose to commit the crime, which is the rational
choice concept from an economics perspective. To some extent, the rational
theory is based on individuals' selfish gains and thus means that it may not be
a good idea or theory to consider.
The rational theory is a useful concept in criminology because most of the crimes are explained by this paradigm. The concept is a micro perspective on the reason why offenders or criminals commit various crimes. The fact is that for any individual to commit a crime has to compare the benefits and the consequences of engaging in that particular crime. For a crime to be committed, personal choice lead. The concept of rational choice is useful in understanding both collective and individual behaviors. The concept explains why society or...
