Rational Choice - Wilson

What does Wilson suggest as the explanation for an increase in crime and deviance?

Individuals contemplate crime - asses its benefits like financial gain and status against the risks

What does Wilson suggest as the problem which allowing the rational choice to occur?

Weak law enforcement and lenient punishment contribute to this problem

• informal social controls, like shame, have eroded

Why has the erosion of informal social controls increased the amounts of crime and deviance according to Wilson?

No longer strong enough deterrents to put individuals off making the ration decision to break the law

• communities suffer as crime weakens trust among neighbours

What could be suggested as a solution to Wilson’s rational choice theory?

Tougher sentencing

Who created the Rational Choice explanation for crime?

Wilson