Deterrence theories argue that the punishment of crimes results in both actual and potential perpetrators avoiding crime in the future. Main Proponents Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Franz von Liszt, Jack P. Gibbs, Alex Piquero, Raymond Paternoster, Stephan Tibbetts, M.C. Stafford, M. Warr, etc. Theory Deterrence theories are based on the
Rational Choice
Rational Choice Theory
Criminology’s application of the Rational Choice Theory sees crime as the result of individual rational consideration of the expected benefits and costs of criminal activity. Main Proponents Gary S. Becker, Derek Cornish, Ronald Clarke, u.a. Theory The thesis of ‘Rational Choice’ is an economic, general theory of action. In general,
Career model (Hess)
According to German sociologist Henner Hess, the emergence and consolidation of criminal behaviour can be explained by careers. The actor glides processually, pushed through the outside world and situation, but ultimately individually chosen, into a delinquent role. Main proponent Henner Hess Theory Hess’ basic assumption regarding crime theories is that
Rational Choice
Rational crime theories, often referred to as neoclassical, are based firstly on the individual’s freedom of will and thus on his personal responsibility for his own actions. In this respect, they differ substantially from etiological theories, which speak of a determinism of the individual. Criminality is the result of a
