Title: THE ROAD, VIEWED FROM THE RATIONAL CHOICE PERSPECTIVE
Abstract:and Clarke's (1989) presentation of the theory, and then we describe data selected from our own research as relevant. After considering the extent to which our material fits Cornish and Clarke's frame...and Clarke's (1989) presentation of the theory, and then we describe data selected from our own research as relevant. After considering the extent to which our material fits Cornish and Clarke's framework, we broaden the approach by discussing the concept of limited rationality in regard to breaches of traffic laws. Finally, we examine the implications of our findings for reducing offending on the roads. Summary of Cornish and Clarke's (1989) presentation of rational choice theory Offenders choose to commit crimes in order to meet certain commonplace needs, and in weighing up opportunities, costs, and benefits their decision-making can be termed rational. It is not necessarily sophisticated, or based on adequate or accurate information; rather, the offender typically displays limited rationality. An important distinction is drawn between involvement decisions (decisions to become involved in, continue or desist from a particular form of offending) and event decisions (those concerned with the tactics of carrying out particular illegal acts) ; the latter can be the focus for situational measures to prevent crime. As crimes differ in the needs they serve and in the demands they make of the potential offender, the rational choice perspective is crime-specific. Critics of situational crime prevention argue that it merely displaces crime to other targets, and that offenders frequently are generalists inclined to a variety of criminal acts. However, the empirical evidence on displacement is largely consistent with the rational choice perspective in that if the opportunities are removed and costs are increased, displacement is unlikely to occur. The evidence on whether offenders areRead More
Publication Year: 1992
Publication Date: 1992-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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