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What is general theory of crime?

What is the General Theory of Crime?

The general theory of crime, also known as the rational choice theory, is a criminological theory that explains why people engage in criminal behavior. This theory was first introduced by Ronald Akers in 1967 and has since been widely accepted as a comprehensive explanation for criminal behavior.

Key Assumptions

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The general theory of crime is based on three key assumptions:

  • Humans are rational beings: According to this theory, individuals make rational decisions about whether to engage in criminal behavior or not. They weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs and make a conscious decision to engage in crime.
  • Individuals weigh the pros and cons of crime: When considering engaging in criminal behavior, individuals weigh the potential benefits, such as financial gain or thrill-seeking, against the potential costs, such as punishment, social stigma, and potential harm to others.
  • Crime is a normal behavior: The general theory of crime argues that criminal behavior is a normal part of human behavior and that most people are capable of committing crimes under the right circumstances.

Variables that Influence Criminal Behavior

According to the general theory of crime, several variables influence an individual’s decision to engage in criminal behavior. These variables can be grouped into three categories:

VariableDescription
DeterrentsThe presence of formal and informal sanctions, such as punishment, social stigma, and community disapproval, that can deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.
IncentivesThe presence of benefits, such as financial gain or thrill-seeking, that can encourage individuals to engage in criminal behavior.
LearningThe process of learning and adopting criminal behavior through exposure to criminal environments, associations with criminal others, and reinforcement of criminal behavior.

Criminal Behavior as a Normal Behavior

The general theory of crime argues that criminal behavior is a normal part of human behavior and that most people are capable of committing crimes under the right circumstances. This means that criminal behavior is not necessarily the result of psychological abnormalities or societal pathology, but rather a normal response to certain circumstances.

Comparison to Other Criminological Theories

The general theory of crime differs from other criminological theories in several ways:

TheoryKey Assumptions
Social Learning TheoryCrime is learned through observation and reinforcement.
Control TheoryCrime occurs when individuals lack social controls, such as social norms and social bonds.
Strain TheoryCrime occurs when individuals experience strain or frustration due to blocked opportunities.

Strengths and Limitations

The general theory of crime has several strengths, including:

  • Explanatory power: The theory provides a comprehensive explanation for criminal behavior, incorporating various factors that influence individual decision-making.
  • Predictive accuracy: The theory can predict criminal behavior with a certain degree of accuracy, particularly in the context of situational crime prevention.

However, the theory also has several limitations, including:

  • Oversimplification: The theory oversimplifies the complex causes of criminal behavior and fails to account for the role of societal and structural factors.
  • Limited applicability: The theory is primarily applicable to individuals who engage in situational criminal behavior, rather than chronic offenders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the general theory of crime is a comprehensive and widely accepted explanation for criminal behavior. It argues that individuals make rational decisions about whether to engage in criminal behavior, weighing the potential benefits against the potential costs. The theory incorporates various variables that influence individual decision-making, including deterrents, incentives, and learning. While the theory has several strengths, it also has limitations and is subject to criticism. Nonetheless, the general theory of crime remains an important and influential theory in the field of criminology.

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