rational choice/routine activity theory

Question 1

assumptions of rational choice theory

Answer 1

• in rational choice theory decisions are a function of two components: subjective expectations (perceptions of risks, costs, and rewards) and preferences (risk tolerance, cost-aversion)
• people are agentic

Question 2

hedonistic calculus

Answer 2

• hedonic calculus- the sum total of an individuals actions that bring more utility than disutility

Question 3

bounded rationality

Answer 3

• rationality of individuals is limited by the information they have, the cognitive limitations of their minds, and the finite amount of time they have to make a decision
• rational choice is the idea that people are responsive to incentives

Question 4

expectations and preferences

Answer 4

• crime may occur because on has a preference for risk
• crime may decline in adulthood because individuals expectations of risks change (rewards decrease and risk/cost increase)
• crime may also decline because preferences change (become more risk averse, better able to resist peer influences)

Question 5

examples of rewards

Answer 5

• intrinsic/psychic rewards
  -social rewards (peer approval)
  -instrumental rewards (money)

Question 6

examples of risks

Answer 6

• how likely is it that I will be caught in arrested?

Question 7

example of costs

Answer 7

• formal costs (incarceration)
• informal costs (what will my mom think? will I get kicked out of school?)

Question 8

why did crime rates change I the 1960s-70s

Answer 8

• human activity patterns changed (women leaving the household, more people living alone, more vacations)
  property trends also changed (appliances became smaller- easier to steal)
• crime rose not because number of offenders changed but because the routine activities of potential victims changed

Question 9

three elements of routine activity theory

Answer 9

crime occurs when three things converge in space and time-
- motivated offender- assumed as given
-suitable target- something that is desirable that can be moved
absence of capable guardian- someone to protect you from victimization

Question 10

policy implications of routine activity theory

Answer 10

• motivated offender is just one element of crime- it is easier to change places than people (situational crime prevention)
• juvenile delinquency is caused by exposure to opportunities conducive to crime
• can prevent JD by increasing risks and costs associated with crime, or reducing the potential benefits of offending