Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories

Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories
Name:
Institution
Abstract
Different approaches and theories have been implemented towards the study of human behavior, especially in the fields of criminal law. The increased rate of criminal activities has seen the need to employ different theories towards addressing the issue. Theories such as deterrence and rational choice theories are among the most debated by different authors. Reflecting on research carried out by different authors, it is proven that rational choice theory is more superior in the field of criminology as compared to the deterrence theory. This is an article that explicitly examines deterrence and rational choice theories from broad perspective.
Introduction
Different theories have been developed to assist comprehend human nature and explain the reasoning with which criminals partake when committing offenses. The development of these theories has been aimed towards mitigating such vices. This cognitive process of offenders is attempted to be unraveled in criminology studies. As conjured up by Gul (2009), deterrence and rational choices theories in criminology are based on the utilitarian notion that humans are capable of weighing options. This is thorugh evaluating their merits, repercussions/costs, end and means. They then rationally select their perceived best choice between the alternatives. This paper aims at addressing deterrence and rational choice theories.
Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories
As applied in criminology, it is believed that offenders deliberately commit their crime for some form of benefit. Some of the well known benefits take account of material gains- money, sex and status - or for non-pecuniary benefits- excitement, revenge, and psychological gain (Ward, Stafford & Gray, 2006). However, these options could come at an expense. For example, material costs such as money, psychic such as the feeling of guilt, opportunistic such as alternate time spent or punishment costs as focused on by the deterrence theory models. The making of these decisions can either be expedited or constrained by past experience, information gathering ability or other limits. Just like the neo-Marxist perspectives thrived in the 1970s, so is the rational choice and action theories today, which is being incorporated in most social realms and disciplines.
Most of the literature that explicates on the rational theory derives from econometric models to attempt to explain criminal behavior and test models that can be utilized in criminal justice system. There are numerous assumptions that the theory proposes and have been relied or used to find the truth. For example, the theory presumes that the choices that are regarded by persons are those that reap maximum benefits with the lowest cost or repercussions incurred (McCarthy, 2002). This is strikingly similar to what occurs when making economically sound decisions-maximizing profits with the minimum capital input. According to the theory, the cognition of pain or punishment for crimes committed acts as a deterrence for criminal action while pleasure offers motivation for particular actions. In this section, the article discusses the concept and applications of the theory and display the connection b...