Crime occurs every day in our society, leaving criminologists with the task to find the reasons for it. Over the years, they have come up with numerous theories to explain the phenomenon of crime, all shooting at different directions. Some of those theories hold environmental, psychological, biological, or family factors responsible for turning random people into criminals. Although many of those theories have something true and convincing about them, this paper analyzes rational choice theory as the most important factor and its explanation of crime. It explains why criminals decide by themselves whether it pays off to break the law or not.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Why Crime Occurs in Society
- Rational Choice Theory
- Corporate Crimes
- “Normal” Crimes
- Deterrence and Punishment
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze rational choice theory as the most important factor in explaining criminal behavior. It explores how criminals make rational decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis, weighing the potential risks and rewards of their actions. The paper also investigates how this theory applies to different types of crimes, including corporate crimes and "normal" crimes.
- Rational choice theory and its role in explaining criminal behavior
- The decision-making process of criminals
- The influence of potential costs and benefits on criminal choices
- Application of rational choice theory to corporate crimes and "normal" crimes
- The role of deterrence and punishment in influencing criminal behavior
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Why Crime Occurs in Society: This introductory chapter explores the various theories that attempt to explain why crime occurs, highlighting the importance of rational choice theory.
- Rational Choice Theory: This chapter delves into the core principles of rational choice theory, explaining how criminals make calculated decisions based on the perceived risks and rewards of their actions. It also examines how this theory applies to both corporate crimes and "normal" crimes.
- Corporate Crimes: This section discusses the specific application of rational choice theory to corporate crimes, analyzing how managers might make rational decisions to engage in illegal activities for perceived benefits to the company.
- “Normal” Crimes: This section explores how rational choice theory influences the behavior of "normal" criminals, using examples like drug dealers who weigh the risks and rewards of their illegal activities.
- Deterrence and Punishment: This chapter examines the effectiveness of deterrence in terms of fines and imprisonment, arguing that it relies heavily on the concept of rational choice theory.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts explored in this paper include: rational choice theory, criminal behavior, decision-making process, cost-benefit analysis, deterrence, punishment, corporate crimes, "normal" crimes, perceived risks and rewards, perceived benefits, moral inhibitions, organizational context, firm characteristics.
- Quote paper
- Romina Müller (Author), 2011, Why Crime Occurs in Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/177023
