Chapter 14: Choosing Crime in Everyday Life: Routine Activity and Rational Choice Theories

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on crime theories, focusing on Routine Activity Theory and Rational Choice Theory.

Routine Activity Theory

Proposes that crime occurs in the context of everyday activities of both offenders and victims, necessitating the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absence of capable guardians.

Rational Choice Theory

Suggests that offenders are rational actors who choose to commit crimes that offer immediate gratification, require little effort, and present a low risk of detection.

Motivated Offender

An individual who possesses criminal inclinations and is likely to engage in criminal behavior given the opportunity.

Suitable Target

An object or person that is perceived to be vulnerable and attractive for the offender to commit a crime against.

Capable Guardians

People or mechanisms in place to deter crime through their presence, such as police, security guards, or vigilant neighbors.

Situational Crime Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing crime by increasing the difficulty, risks, and costs associated with committing a crime.

Empty Homes Phenomenon

The idea that vacant properties provide more opportunities for criminal activities, increasing local crime rates.

Defensible Space

Architectural and environmental design principles aimed at reducing crime by fostering natural surveillance and community ownership.

Lifestyle Model (Garofalo, 1987)

The theory that individuals' routine activities and lifestyles influence their likelihood of becoming victims of crime.

Pestilence Fallacy

A viewpoint that sees crime merely as a byproduct of other societal ills rather than as a distinct issue to be addressed.

Cognitive Maps (Offender Search Theory)

Mental representations that offenders develop to navigate their environment and locate suitable targets for crime.

Perceptual Deterrence Theory

The theory that individuals' decisions to commit crimes depend more on their perceptions of risks and benefits than on actual consequences.

Social Capital

The resources and benefits accrued through social relationships and community engagement that can act as a protective factor against crime.