On-Line Learning
Rational Choice Theory (RCT)
1. Background
Rational Choice Theory (RCT) by Cornish and Clarke (1986) is the theoretical foundation on which Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) stands. The rational choice perspective assumes that offenders seek to benefit in some way from their offending behaviour. RCT therefore portrays offenders as active decision makers who undertake a cost-benefit analysis of presenting crime opportunities.
2. Features
RCT views offending behaviour as involving decision making and the making of choices, which are constrained by time, cognitive ability and information, resulting in a 'limited' rather than a 'normal' rationality for the offender. The premise is that the decisions and factors that affect offender decision making vary greatly at both the different stages of the offence and among different offences. Cornish and Clarke (1998) therefore stress the need to be crime-specific when analysing offender decision making and choice selection, and to treat separately decisions relating to the various stages of involvement in offences. For example, treating decisions relating to the offenders' initial involvement in the offence, continuation and desistance, separately from decisions relating to the event, such as choice of target. This, they claim, allows a more 'holistic' view of offender decision and choice making and a greater analysis from which to implement appropriate interventions.
3. The RCT model
Cornish and Clarke (1986) present an RCT model to illustrate some of the decisions that an offender will make in the decision to commit a burglary. They suggest that the offender will ask themselves questions such as: which house offers the best target? Do the neighbours watch out for each other? How hard will it be to gain entrance? What sorts of goods are inside? How will I get out in a hurry?
According to the model, free will is assumed (the classical theory perspective), but there are certain background and situational factors that might predispose someone towards crime. Background factors might include intelligence, upbringing and personality; situational factors might include peer pressure, drug dependency and the vulnerability of the target.
The important point of RCT is that it views the committing of a crime as a series of decisions and processes made by the offender in the commission of that crime.
4. Further Reading
Cornish, D. and Clarke, R.V. eds. (1986), The Reasoning Criminal. NewYork: Springer-Verlag.
Cornish, D. and Clarke, R.V. (1998) Understanding Crime Displacement: An application of Rational Choice Theory. in Henry. S. and Einstadter, W. Criminology Theory Reader. New York: New York University Press.
Last update: 20 July 2004