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Rational Choice Theory And Social Theory Of Crime

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Choice Theory and Social structure theory are both based on a common implication that criminal activities are not a determinant of psychological, natural or environmental aspects affecting an individual and persuading him to commit the crime but rather people commit the criminal acts willfully and voluntarily. They engage in crime such as assaults, car thefts and burglary as per their own will, just as anyone could open up a grocery store to earn income or go to university to acquire more skill and knowledge. People are in control over what step to take in their life since they act as representative of themselves. Additionally, people’s choice to commit crimes depend on the benefits they have foreseen against the costs of committing the crimes.
Rational choice theory can be used to explain why both the violent and property crimes increased in Blueville in 2008. When someone makes a decision to commit a crime, one considers the paybacks alongside the costs of committing the crime. Criminal Behaviour comes with both payback and costs. During the 2008 recession, many people lost their jobs, income and homes but after the economy had stabilized, new jobs were created with the former workers being dropped due to lack of enough qualifications. The flow of money was increasing with the living standards of the people who had secured a job. This brought an economic class gap with many people left poor and jobless, the only way for them to opt is through violent crimes and property

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