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,
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Techniques of neutralization (Sykes und Matza)
Techniques of neutralization explain how offenders rationalized or justified their behaviour. Main proponent Gresham M. Sykes und David Matza Theory A special case within the learning approaches is Sykes’ and Matza’s thesis of techniques of neutralization. The focus here is on the learned justifications of the criminal for his already
Theory of differential opportunities (Cloward & Ohlin)
The theory of differential opportunities combines learning, subculture, anomie and social disorganization theories and expands them to include the recognition that for criminal behaviour there must also be access to illegitimate means. Main proponent Richard A. Cloward und Lloyd E. Ohlin Theorie Cloward & Ohlin’s theory of differential opportunities represents
Social learning theory (Akers)
The theory of social learning states that criminal behaviour is learned when the positive consequences of deviant behaviour are more powerful than the positive consequences of normative behaviour (operant conditioning). Main proponent Ronald L. Akers und Robert L. Burgess Theory Referring to Sutherland’s theory of differential associations, Aker’s theory of
Differential association theory (Sutherland)
In his theory of differential association, Edwin Sutherland proposes that criminal behavior is learned. A person will become delinquent if there are prior attitudes that favor law breaking, as opposed to attitudes that evaluate law breaking negatively. Main proponent Edwin H. Sutherland Theory Edwin Sutherland’s theory of differential association posits
Subcultural theory (Cohen)
Cohen’s subcultural theory assumes that crime is a consequence of the union of young people into so-called subcultures in which deviant values and moral concepts dominate. Subcultural theory became the dominant theory of its time. Main proponent Albert K. Cohen Theory Cohen’s basic assumption is that most juvenile criminals are
