Section 3.5 Overview
Section 3.5, “Rational Choice Theory,” marks a significant evolution in criminology, focusing on the economic rationality behind individual criminal decision-making processes. It posits that crimes result from deliberate choices, where individuals assess the benefits against risks. By leveraging the expected utility principle, the theory highlights the calculated nature of criminal engagement, suggesting that crime occurs when perceived rewards outweigh anticipated costs. This perspective has reshaped criminological thought and policy, advocating for strategic interventions to deter criminal actions. It emphasizes the offender’s rationality, providing a foundation for targeted prevention strategies and policy development across various crimes, from petty theft to white-collar offenses, demonstrating its broad applicability and impact on modern criminal justice approaches.
Section Level Student Learning Outcomes
- SLO 1: Understand the application of the expected utility principle in criminal decision-making.
- SLO 2: Analyze the shift from classical deterrence to rational choice in criminology.
- SLO 3: Evaluate the factors influencing rational calculation in criminal actions.
- SLO 4: Assess empirical evidence supporting and challenging Rational Choice Theory.
- SLO 5: Identify the implications of Rational Choice Theory for criminal justice policies and practices.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2024
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