The nature and role of morality in situational action theory

Abstract

For situational action theory (SAT), morality is key to the definition of crime and the explanation for why and how acts of crime happen: acts of crime are acts of moral rule-breaking and personal morality guides individuals’ perception of moral rule-breaking as an option before controls become relevant. However, the nature and role of morality in SAT can be misread. Within this article I respond to misinterpretations of the theory by elaborating and adding further context to the concept of morality in SAT. I contend that the root of misunderstanding is grounded in alternative assumptions regarding human nature: SAT assumes a fundamentally rule-guided human nature, whereas the prevailing view within criminology is that people are primarily self-interested. In this article I delineate SAT’s assumption of a rule-guided human nature and set out how this assumption informs the definition of crime and personal morality in the theory. I further specify the nature and role of morality in the perception of action alternatives, and in so doing distinguish SAT from theories that view constraint as the measure of morality. Finally, I develop and clarify SAT’s position on the relationship between morality and the law.

Intimate Partner Abuse and Homicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Situational Action Theory Analysis

“…Most studies focus on IPA perpetrated by males against females, and thus IPA is included as a significant form of violence against women, with approximately one in three women experiencing IPA in their lifetime (see, for example, Sardinha et al, 2022; White et al, 2024; World Health Organization, 2021). Comparable rates and similar predictors have been reported for male victimization, raising questions about the distinctiveness of IPA between the sexes, as well as the reliability of IPA data (Barton-Crosby, 2017; Chan, 2011; Hamberger & Larsen, 2015; Hamby, 2014; Hardesty & Ogolsky, 2020; Krahé et al, 2005; Larsen & Hamberger, 2015; Spencer et al, 2022). This is not an issue with which this paper will grapple, as it suggests the causes of IPA are the same regardless of the sex of those involved, that is, the same factors will be implicated even if they may be more frequently associated with people of a particular sex.…”

“…In many social contexts, IPA breaks social norms, if not laws, but in others, it is accepted and may even be expected (Delaney, 2023; Neighbors et al, 2010). People also vary in whether or not they find IPA acceptable, under what circumstances, in what forms, and to what degrees (Barton-Crosby, 2017). Even within social contexts in which IPA is legal and/or culturally normative, it may not be universally perceived as acceptable, and within contexts in which it is illegal and/or culturally deviant, it may not be universally perceived as unacceptable.…”

From structural time use to situational rule-breaking: Analysing adolescents’ time use and the person-setting interaction

“…SAT generally conceptualises crime propensity as a person’s moral rules, the feelings attached to these, and the ability to exercise self-control (Wikström et al, 2012). This study focuses solely on personal moral rules as they constitute the most important individual-level factor in explaining delinquency (Barton-Crosby, 2020). SAT states that rule-breaking acts result from a perception-choice process occurring in a situation.…”

Business Cycle and Crime: The Case of British Columbia, Canada

“…Of the numerous social problems linked to economic conditions, this study focuses on crime. Generally, crime refers to an act that violates codified law (Barton-Crosby, 2018). Times of economic prosperity are expected to increase production and employment, while economic recessions generally lead to job losses, falling production, and unemployment (Mukoyama and Sahin, 2006).…”