Reconciling Emotion and Rational Choice: Negativistic Auto Theft, Consequence Irrelevance, and the Seduction of Destruction

Abstract

Objectives: We explore negativism in the context of auto theft and examine its broader phenomenological significance for Rational Choice Theory. Methods: Data were drawn from qualitative, in-depth interviews with 35 active auto thieves operating out of a large Midwestern U.S. city. Results: Negativistic offending is malicious, spiteful, and/or destructive conduct whose purpose is typically more hedonic (i.e., short-term gratification) than instrumental (i.e., resource-generating) or normative (i.e., moralistic). It is made possible by the notion of ownership without responsibility: Offenders controlled a vehicle that was not theirs, promoting consequence irrelevance which in turn unleashed reckless conduct. Conclusions: Consequence irrelevance clarifies negativism’s logic and permits linkage between affect-based and rational choice decision-making models.

Criminal Self-Efficacy and Perceptions of Risk and Reward among Women Methamphetamine Manufacturers

“…I mean that got me high all on its own." Clearly, creating the product provided strong intrinsic rewards to the women with cooking self-efficacy; moreover, it was common for these cooks to perceive the threat of potential risks as a physiological reward (Jacobs & Cherbonneau, 2019;Lyng, 2004). This group of women described the risks as present, but not particularly concerning.…”

Enacting social engineering: the emotional experience of information security deception

“…Most research on criminal decision-making and experiences within criminology employ rational choice perspectives, which posit that criminal behavior results from rational assessments of the potential costs and benefits of engaging in such behavior (Clarke, 2014;Paternoster & Pogarsky, 2009). Historically, rational choice perspectives have tended to discount the role of emotions in criminality, instead focusing on opportunity and instrumentality as motivators for criminal activity (Jacobs & Cherbonneau, 2019;Young, 2003). Recent decades have seen a more robust consideration of the role of affect and emotion in crime.…”

“…To begin, research has found that intense emotional states may impair cognitive reasoning and decision-making abilities, not unlike the effects of substance or alcohol use (Clarke, 2014;Jacobs & Cherbonneau, 2019). Emotional intensity may have this effect by narrowing the focus of attention towards one aim and motivating impulsive behavior, causing an individual to fail to give full consideration of the benefits and risks of an action (Paternoster & Pogarsky, 2009).…”

“…Additionally, the analysis points to situational dynamics which can impact the type and intensity of emotions experienced during social engineering, which this analysis terms "modulating factors." Analyzing the experience of social engineering perpetration also provides insights into the decision-making process that occurs during the execution of social engineering ruses-an aspect of the decision-making process that has been noted as often overlooked in research on the role of emotions in crime (Jacobs & Cherbonneau, 2019).…”

“…In recent decades, criminologists have given increased attention to the linkages between emotions and crime (e.g. Crewe et al, 2014;Doocy, et al, 2001;Duffield & Grabosky, 2001;Jackson, 1994;Jacobs & Cherbonneau, 2019;Katz, 1988;Shover et al, 2003;Stotland, 1977). Unfortunately, it is easy for scholars to fetishize the technological dimensions of "cybercrimes" and forget that thinking and feeling humans are involved (Leukfeldt, 2017;McGuire, 2016).…”