Rational Choice, Essay Example

Rational choice is an important consideration that an individual must make when they are actively engaging in crime. Typically, this understanding of choice is only applied when the crime is pre-meditated. Crime is rational when the individual is pursuing in criminal activity in order to promote their livelihood. For example, individuals that are starving on the streets apply rational decision making prior to stealing food. Therefore, crime simply makes sense in some situations. Even though suspects may only acquire 10-20% of the value of the products they retrieve from burglary, it is important to consider that their main incentive is profit. If they have nothing, this small amount of income allows them to achieve a more financially sound situation. Therefore, the risk appears to be worth it from them because their survival is more likely to be ensured.

Overall, crime is rational when it is carefully considered before it is conducted. There is always a reason for crime even though it may not be ethical and we may not personally agree with these decisions. However, this understanding becomes complicated once understanding that crime is not always a decision. Individuals with the mental capacity to make decisions are able to choose to commit crimes or alternatives, while some individuals are not capable of this thought process. When people cannot think about their potential crime or the impacts it will have on society, the process cannot be considered rational. As such, people with certain mental disabilities or those that engage in crimes that are not pre-meditated cannot apply rational thinking. However, those that commit crime to foster their own survival are making a clear choice. They are involving themselves in crime because their decision making led them to the understanding that this will help them survive.