Rational Actor Theories in Criminology

A school of thought in criminology that emerged in the 18th century, emphasizing rational individuals making choices based on weighing potential pleasure against potential pain.

A key figure in classical criminology who argued that criminal behavior is a result of free will and rational decision-making, influenced by the potential for punishment.

The idea that punishment should be proportional to the severity of the crime, ensuring fair and consistent consequences.

A central concept in classical criminology, suggesting that individuals will refrain from criminal acts if they perceive the punishment for those acts to be certain, swift, and severe.

A contemporary approach to criminology that builds upon classical principles, acknowledging the potential for limited rationality and mitigating circumstances.

A theory in contemporary criminology that suggests individuals engage in criminal behavior after weighing potential benefits against potential costs, making rational decisions even within limited information.

A concept in rational choice theory suggesting that individuals are not always fully rational, but make the best choices possible within the constraints of their time, resources, and information.

A theory in criminology that emphasizes the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians as necessary conditions for crime to occur.

An approach to crime prevention that focuses on manipulating environments to make crimes more difficult or less appealing, minimizing opportunities for criminal behavior.

A concept in situational crime prevention developed by Oscar Newman, advocating for designing physical spaces to deter crime by promoting territoriality, surveillance, positive image, and a safe environment.

A school of thought in criminology that emerged in the 1970s-80s, emphasizing the role of social and individual factors in crime, often advocating for a more punitive approach.

A central idea in right realism proposing that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti and abandoned buildings, signal a lack of social control, leading to increased crime.

A theory in right realism that argues welfare dependency contributes to a culture of irresponsibility and anti-social behavior, fostering a 'underclass' that is more prone to crime.

A contemporary criminological theory that emphasizes the rational choices made by individuals in the context of crime, focusing on the interplay of opportunity, risk, and reward.

A key concept in rational choice theory emphasizing the limited rationality of individuals, suggesting that they make the best decisions possible given the available information and constraints.

An approach to crime prevention that focuses on modifying the immediate environment to make criminal acts more difficult or less appealing, creating a less conducive environment for crime.

An important concept in situational crime prevention developed by Oscar Newman, advocating for designing environments to deter crime through clearly defined territories, improved surveillance, positive image, and a safe environment.

A school of thought in contemporary criminology that emerged in the 1970s-80s emphasizing the role of social and individual factors in crime, often taking a conservative stance on social policy.

A central idea in right realism, suggesting that visible signs of disorder like graffiti and abandoned buildings indicate a lack of social control, leading to a spiral of escalating crime.

A central concept in right realism that argues welfare dependency fosters a 'underclass' that is more prone to crime, due to a lack of responsibility, anti-social behavior, and a culture of dependence.

A school of thought in criminology that emerged in the 18th century, emphasizing rational individuals making choices based on weighing potential pleasure against potential pain.

A key figure in classical criminology who argued that criminal behavior is a result of free will and rational decision-making, influenced by the potential for punishment.

The idea that punishment should be proportional to the severity of the crime, ensuring fair and consistent consequences.

A central concept in classical criminology, suggesting that individuals will refrain from criminal acts if they perceive the punishment for those acts to be certain, swift, and severe.

A contemporary approach to criminology that builds upon classical principles, acknowledging the potential for limited rationality and mitigating circumstances.

A theory in contemporary criminology that suggests individuals engage in criminal behavior after weighing potential benefits against potential costs, making rational decisions even within limited information.

A concept in rational choice theory suggesting that individuals are not always fully rational, but make the best choices possible within the constraints of their time, resources, and information.

A theory in criminology that emphasizes the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians as necessary conditions for crime to occur.

An approach to crime prevention that focuses on manipulating environments to make crimes more difficult or less appealing, minimizing opportunities for criminal behavior.

A concept in situational crime prevention developed by Oscar Newman, advocating for designing physical spaces to deter crime by promoting territoriality, surveillance, positive image, and a safe environment.