Theories And Rational Choice Theory - 1274 Words

Introduction This paper will cover two criminological theories and they will be applied to two types of criminality. The two theories chosen for the paper were developmental theory and rational choice theory. The two types of crimes that were chosen were organized crime, specifically focusing on gangs, and terrorism. Then the crimes will be compared and contrasted. Finally, the developmental theory will be applied to organized crime to explain why and how it happens. The rational choice theory will be applied to terrorism to explain what compels individuals to attempt this form of criminality. Organized Crime (Gangs) The definition of organized crime is â€Å"crime committed by groups engaged in planned and sustained criminal activities†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦Terrorism has been conducted throughout the world on numerous occasions. The groups that perform these actions come from multiple countries from all over the world. The United States even has some forms of terrorist groups and individuals. One of the biggest terrorist attacks was the destruction of the Twin Towers carried out by Al-Qaeda. Also recently there has been attacks in Paris and Great Britain, which were ISIS’s plan. The biggest terrorist organizations include the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and quite recently ISIS. The Taliban was founded in 1994, by Mullah Mohammed Omar, and they kill people in the name of jihad. Al-Qaeda was founded by Osama Bin Laden and also kill for jihad. Finally ISIS was founded recently hand continues to grow rapidly. They kill indiscriminately and how they see fit (Ppcorn, n.d.). Compare Organized Crime and Terrorism Organized crime and Terrorist groups are very similar in many ways. They both are structured with well thought out organization and are multi-leveled, just like a corporation would be. Both are involved with illegal business activities. This includes the smuggling and selling of drugs, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The members of the groups are normally deviant with their behavior. They consist or aggressive, violent, and dehumanizing natures. They feel satisfaction from killing innocent people and striking fear in the individuals that opposeShow MoreRelatedTheories Of Rational Choice Theory1766 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction When a natural scientist is interested in how something works, he usually observes, then constructs a theory which helps to interpret what he sees. Following the building of a model, the results of the experiment tell whether the theory correctly explained the phenomenon in question. Even in the case of the physical sciences, the construction of a model requires assumptions to be made, leading to the model omitting certain, preferably unimportant effectors. The same is true about modelsRead MoreRational And Rational Choice Theory3362 Words   |  14 PagesRational choice theory posits that any individual makes behavioral choices because they logically consider any potentially criminal situation, weigh the possible benefits versus the possible costs, and make a decision to act based on whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks. Rational choice theory differs from other philosophies in that it â€Å"denies the existence of any kinds of action other than the purely rational and c alculative. All social action, it is argued, can be seen as rationally motivatedRead MoreThe Rational Choice Theory1728 Words   |  7 PagesUniversity, CJ102 Criminology Unit Five Midterm Project The Rational Choice theory approach has been used by social and political scientists to put some type of meaning of why humans behave in a certain way. 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This theory, highly relied upon by many disciplines, is also used to calculate and determine crime and criminal behavior. Through definition, example and techniques utilized by criminologists, the reader will have a better understanding of the subject. By definition, criminology is the study of crime, criminal behavior and how it pertains to the law. Criminology is considered a scientific technique. Therefore, those who study and carry out its theories are consideredRead MoreInside Job : Rational Choice Theory1336 Words   |  6 Pagesdemonstrates rational choices being made by individuals that caused a nearly global financial collapse. Through examination of rational choice theory and evidence from the film, it will explain how main characters of the film are rational actors. Rational choice theory was developed by Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham; both were Enlightenment philosophers. The theory states that each person or rational actor weighs the cost and benefits of their action and ultimately makes their own choices. BeccariaRead MoreRational Choice Theory And Human Behavior964 Words   |  4 PagesIn its simplest form, Rational Choice Theory finds its role in economics, which also plays a big role in human behavior. Most often, people are motivated by money and the possibility of making a profit and will calculate the costs and benefits for them before deciding what to do. While economic theories look at production, distribution and consumption of goods and services, Rational Choice theorists argue that these same principles can be used to understand human interaction where using time, information