1. Rational Choice Theory
Visualising
Rational Choice Theory
Shaping our Understanding of Crime

2. Offenders not qualitatively different
Rational Choice Theory
Offenders
Choosing crime
Opportunities
Benefits and Costs
Choosing crime
Offending is explained at the level of the individual and the choices they make: the objective, is to explain how and why some people make decisions that ultimately lead to crime.
Offenders not qualitatively different
There’s nothing in the sociological or psychological background of offenders that causes or explains their offending. People make choices about their behaviour in the context of particular situations - particularly the opportunities that are available for the commission of crimes.
Benefits and Costs
When a criminal opportunity is presented the potential offender acts on the basis of a rational assessment of the likely benefits (or rewards) and costs of offending.
If an individual believes the benefits outweigh the costs then a crime is likely to be committed; if the reverse, the opportunity will be rejected.
Opportunities
The extent to which opportunities for crime exist. Different criminal choices arise within different environments and the opportunities they present - or do not present - for criminal behaviour.
Notes
Almost by definition, the members are first generation converts, and, like all converts, they tend to be far more enthusiastic and committed - even fanatic - than those born into a religion.

3. Rational Choice Theory
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