Criminological Theories

Criminological theories are often complementary, rather than standalone concepts. Theories such as rational choice, deterrence, and opportunity theory can be employed in conjunction with one another to challenge, build upon, and affirm or contradict each other. Where one theory might leave a gap, the use of additional theories can fill that gap. Criminal behavior is not necessarily always simple and straightforward, and in many cases more than one theory can relate to a particular crime. In fact, the one-dimensional approach to explaining crime often tends to be inadequate because it ignores more factors than it takes into account (Barak). As a result, integrative or interdisciplinary theories of crime are coming into wider use (Barak). An understanding of the fundamental traditional theories, as well as a perspective on seeing them in combination, provides a more comprehensive approach to examining criminal behavior.

Rational choice theory is one of the most widely used theories in criminology. This theory assumes that people have the freedom to choose what behaviors they engage in, and that they make those choices based on rational calculations that take into consideration the potential pleasure or pain that the consequences of their actions will entail (Keel). Naturally, most people choose actions that they believe will maximize their pleasure rather than their pain, so punishment for crimes committed particularly swift, severe, and certain

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pportunities, such as the design and management of clubs and bars, can also play a part in making crime easily accessible (Felson & Clarke, v). The opportunity is different depending on the crime, as well; a criminal intent on using a stolen car for joyriding needs different opportunity parameters than one who intends to use it for a murder (Felson & Clarke, v). These four theories contain concepts that interrelate with one another. For example, where labeling theory says that the negative label applied to a criminal causes him to live up to that label, rational choice theory assumes that people rationally choose what behavior to engage in. These theories at first blush appear to be opposites. The first is a subconscious response, and the second is a deliberate response. However, it can just as easily be argued that the label applied to a person influences him to rationally choose to engage in a criminal behavior because he believes that he is a criminal individual. This view makes use of both theories. Likewise, opportunity theory intimates that criminals commit crimes because they see an opportunity to do so. Although rational choice theory says that they will commit crimes based on a rational decision to do so, the pr

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