rational choice theory Flashcards
what theory is it
right realism
what does it assume
-we are rational beings with free will
- deciding to commit a crime = choice
- committing crime is based off rational calculation of the consequence and the rewards
what makes people more likely to offend
if committing the crime outweighs the cost, people will be mire likely to offend
why is the crime rate high and what is an example
high crime rate is due to the costs being low
FOR EXAMPLE:
- little risk of being caught
- lenient punishment for those who are caught
what did wilson and kelling describe
THE BROKEN WINDOW THEORY:
- if windows are unrepaired
- they will all get broke
- people believe it goes unpunished
- and you can get away with crime
- as its normalised