Question

cons of the rational choice theory

Answer 1

• Classical or rational choice theory (RCT) maintains that people are rational beings who evaluate the consequences of their decisions and move forward based on the expected outcomes. In other words, when confronted with a decision, we consider the costs and benefits associated with each option. We then select the choice that will bring the most benefit with the least amount of risk. From a criminological standpoint, this means offenders choose crime because the potential benefit of said crime outweighs the risk.
• Major struggle for rational choice theory is the idea that different kinds of variables appear to impact different kinds of behaviors. Rational choice variables are stronger in some situations than in others. Typically, researchers try to stay away from studying violent behaviors since these involve emotional variables that don’t seem as relevant during the violent act.
• The potential dangers are that the theory is quite clear cut and selective and does not give much room for debate' the theory cannot explain how people acquire their personality towards criminal behaviour and prior experiences and motivators which may be unique.
• And certain individuals that commit crime knowing they will be caught' which would override the theory that they will only commit crime if there is the potential thatthe reward is greater than the immediate danger. It does not explain what truly motivates a person towards a specific crime and how society has the potential to create criminals through exclusion' and failure of support in the modern system.