Rational Choice Theory

Abstract

Rational choice theory purports that a person will commit crime after determining if the pain or punishment is worth the pleasure or reward of the act. This theory comes from the Classical and Neoclassical Schools. The policies that are based on this theory involve increasing the punishment for crimes in the hope that the pain outweighs the gain and therefore preventing future crime. These increased punishments are intended to enhance the impact of both specific deterrence and general deterrence. The concepts of rational choice theory have been used in the development of both lifestyle theory and routine activities theory.