Rational Choice Theory (criminology) - Assumptions and Central Points

Assumptions and Central Points

Rational choice is based on numerous assumptions, one of which is individualism The offender sees themselves as an individual. The second is that individuals have to maximize their goals, and the third is that individuals are self interested Offenders are thinking about themselves and how to advance their personal goals. Central points of the theory are described as follows:

• The human being is a rational actor.
• Rationality involves end/means calculations.
• People (freely) choose behavior, both conforming and deviant, based on their rational calculations.
• The central element of calculation involves a cost benefit analysis: Pleasure versus pain or hedonistic calculus.
• Choice, with all other conditions equal, will be directed towards the maximization of individual pleasure.
• Choice can be controlled through the perception and understanding of the potential pain or punishment that will follow an act judged to be in violation of the social good, the social contract.
• The state is responsible for maintaining order and preserving the common good through a system of laws.
• The swiftness, severity, and certainty of punishment are the key elements in understanding a law’s ability to control human behavior.

Rational choice theory has sprung from older and more experimental collections of hypotheses surrounding what have been essentially, the empirical findings from many scientific investigations into the workings of human nature. The conceiving and semblance of these social models which are hugely applicable to the methodology expressed through the function of microeconomics within society are also similarly placed to demonstrate that a sizable amount of data is collated using behavioral techniques which are tweaked and made adjustable in order to ensure compatibility with the spontaneous motivational drives displayed by the consumer.The theory borrows concepts from economic theories, to give greater weight to non-instrumental motives for crime and the “limited” or “bounded” nature of the rational process involved (Clarke, 1997, p. 9).