Understanding Criminological Theories: From Rational Choice to Feminist Perspectives
Rational Choice Perspective
What is Rationality in Decision-Making?
Rationality in decision-making implies that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of a particular behavior. When the benefits outweigh the costs, the individual is likely to engage in that behavior. This can be represented as f(U), where individuals aim to maximize utility (U) with minimal effort.
Assumptions of the Rational Choice Perspective
- Individuals possess complete information about the consequences of each choice.
- Individuals have the cognitive capacity to evaluate all choices against one another.
- Individuals are aware of all available choices.
Elements of Deterrence
- Severity: The harshness of the punishment.
- Certainty: The likelihood of punishment following the crime.
- Celerity: The connection between the punishment and the crime.
- Swiftness: The speed at which punishment is delivered after the crime.
Types of Deterrence
- General Deterrence
- Specific Deterrence (Incapacitation)
Strengths of Rational Choice
- Provides a unified framework for understanding human behavior.
- Offers a simple explanation for complex behaviors: crime occurs when benefits outweigh costs.
- Possesses strong predictive capabilities.
Weaknesses of Rational Choice
- Oversimplifies human behavior by reducing it to a mathematical equation.
- Assumes individuals have access to complete information, which is often unrealistic.
- Neglects the influence of irrationality, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Social Reaction and Labeling Theory
Charles Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self
People develop their self-concept based on how they perceive society views them.
Howard Becker’s Moral Entrepreneurs
Individuals in positions of power often create moral panics by exaggerating the threat of certain social issues.
Edwin Lemert’s Labeling Process
- Primary Deviance: Initial acts of deviance that often go unnoticed.
- Secondary Deviance: Deviance that results from societal reaction to primary deviance.
Labeling Theory’s Critique of the Criminal Justice System
- Challenges the notion that crime is solely defined by the violation of laws.
- Argues that the criminal justice system overreaches in its application of social control.
- Emphasizes the role of societal reaction in defining and perpetuating crime.
Marxist/Conflict Theories
Social Class Struggle
- Bourgeoisie: The ruling class who own the means of production.
- Proletariat: The working class who are exploited by the bourgeoisie.
Economic Production
- Means of Production: Resources and technology used to create goods.
- Mode of Production: The economic system of a society (e.g., capitalism).
Feminist Perspectives
Gender and Patriarchy
- Gender: Socially constructed expectations about behavior associated with femininity and masculinity.
- Patriarchy: A social system where men hold power and privilege.
Criminology’s Neglect of Gender
- Traditional criminology has focused primarily on male offenders.
- Fails to adequately address the gender gap in offending rates.
- Overlooks the influence of gender roles and patriarchy on criminal behavior.