Crime Specialization, Crime Displacement and Rational Choice Theory (From Criminal Behavior and the Justice System: Psychological Perspectives, P 103-117, 1989, Hermann Wegener, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-116624)

• NCJ Number: 116630
• Author(s): D B Cornish; R V Clarke
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Springer-Verlag
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The rational choice perspective on crime is discussed in relation to crime displacement and crime specialization and applied to decisions regarding gambling and suicide.

Abstract

This perspective views offenders as choosing to commit crimes to meet commonplace needs for such things as money, sex, and excitement, rather than being driven by internal forces over which they have little or no control. The empirical evidence relating to crime displacement generally appears consistent with the rational choice perspective. Similarly, analysis of evidence regarding whether offenders are specialists or generalists suggests that as long as stability exists in the opportunities, costs, and benefits available to the offender, these will tend to support specialization in particular forms of crime. The concept of 'choice-structuring properties' is useful in this kind of analysis. Thus, the unique combination of choice-structuring properties shown by different forms of gambling (e.g., off-course betting, roulette, and lotteries) and different methods of suicide (e.g., hanging, gassing, and shooting) lead to their selection by particular subgroups. Closer attention to these properties can help to establish the likely limits of displacement in relation to both groups of activities. Tables, figure, and 26 references.