Welcome to Week 5!
Overview
Neoclassical theories of crime are based on the same basic assumptions as the Classical School. However, neoclassical theorists recognize that there are a number of factors that can influence an individual’s decision to commit a crime, including situational factors and individual characteristics. Neoclassical theories of crime are based on the assumption that individuals make rational choices about whether or not to commit crimes. They weigh the potential benefits of crime against the potential costs, including the likelihood and severity of punishment. Neoclassical theories also emphasize the importance of situational factors in crime causation. They argue that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
Rational Choice Theory is one of the most influential neoclassical theories of crime. It argues that individuals commit crimes because they believe that the benefits outweigh the costs. Rational choice theorists identify four key factors that influence criminal behavior:
- Perceived likelihood of apprehension: Individuals are less likely to commit crimes if they believe that they are likely to be caught.
- Perceived severity of punishment: Individuals are less likely to commit crimes if they believe that they will be severely punished if they are caught.
- Perceived value of the target: Individuals are more likely to commit crimes if they believe that the target is valuable.
- Individual self-control: Individuals with high self-control are less likely to commit crimes, even if they believe that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Routine Activities Theory is another important neoclassical theory of crime. It argues that crime is more likely to occur when there is a convergence of three factors:
- Motivated offender: An individual who is motivated to commit a crime.
- Suitable target: A target that is vulnerable to crime.
- Absence of a capable guardian: A lack of someone who can protect the target from crime.
Routine activities theory has been used to explain a wide range of crimes, including burglary, robbery, and sexual assault. For example, the theory suggests that burglary is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender (e.g., someone who is unemployed and needs money), a suitable target (e.g., an empty house during the day), and the absence of a capable guardian (e.g., a home security system).
Neoclassical theories of crime have been influential in shaping criminal justice policy in the Western world. For example, many criminal justice policies are designed to deter crime by increasing the perceived likelihood and severity of punishment. Neoclassical theories also support the use of situational crime prevention measures, such as home security systems and street lighting, to reduce the opportunities for crime to occur.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the week, you will be able to:
- Discuss how neoclassical theories emerged from classical theories.
- Explain the main propositions of the Rational Choice Theory.
- List the three key elements of routine activities theory.
- Summarize the impact that the Neoclassical perspective had on modern criminal justice systems
- Identify some of the policy implications that have been implemented based on the neo-classical theoretical framework.
Workflow
Reading:
Chapter 2 in Tierney, J. (2009). Key perspectives in criminology. McGraw-Hill Education: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bmcc/reader.action?docID=480635&ppg=15
You can download a copy of the chapter here:
Key_Perspectives_in_Criminology_-_2_Administrative_CriminologyVideos:
Routine Activities Theory
Situational Crime Prevention
Focus on Places, Not People, to Prevent Crime | Joel Caplan | TEDxStocktonUniversity
INFOGRAPHIC
TWENTY-FIVE TECHNIQUES OF SITUATIONAL PREVENTION
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