Rational Choice and Classical Theory PDF

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The rational choice theory is sometimes called the rational action theory or choice theory. This is a school of thought in which is based on the underlying tenants of the classical criminology perspective. This theory holds that individuals’ behaviors become motivated by the avoidance of pain to find their pursuit of pleasure (Oppenheimer, 2008). They are evaluating choices by the options and abilities that produce the advantages of pleasure and happiness. That is what the rational choice theory focuses on as individuals seek to find what makes and brings happiness into society. The rational choice of an individual is the micro perspective as to why that person offends and decides to conduct criminal acts. The central premise for the rational choice theory is that individuals are rational beings, and their behaviors are controlled and modified by their fear of punishment. However, the classical theory provides the same notation (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). When one makes the rational choice to violate a law through criminal behaviors and acts, they weigh the benefits and punishments to conclude as to how they will act. To curb crime, punishments must outweigh the benefits of the criminal’s illegal gain. The rational choice theory is premised on the pragmatic belief that all actions are based on the conscious evaluation of the utility of acting in specific ways. Such perspectives serve that the crime being enacted upon is a personal choice in which is ultimately the individual's decisionmaking process (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Criminals weigh the benefits and sanctions of the behaviors in which they want to enact. Then they conclude with an evaluation of the weighing to determine themselves which approach they will take in following out their behavioral thoughts. The sole difference between the classical and rational theory is that the rational choice theory focuses on the desire for happiness (Simon, 1955).

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References Bohm, R. M., & Vogel, B. L. (2011). A primer on crime and delinquency theory (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/CENGAGE Learning. Oppenheimer, J. A. (2008). Rational choice theory. The Sage Encyclopedia of Political Theory. London Sage Publications. Simon, H. A. (1955). A behavioral model of rational choice. The quarterly journal of economics, 69(1), 99-118.

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