Rational Choice, Deterrence, and Social Learning Theory in Criminology: The Path Not Taken*

Abstract

Rational theory, which is derived mainly from the expected utility model in economics, has become a hot topic in criminology, sociology, political science, and law. The utility premise of rational choice theory has an obvious affinity for the deterrence doctrine in criminology. Deterrence and the utilitarian view of rational human nature have been with us since at least the eighteenth century. Although the link between deterrence and rational choice has been made in the literature, proponents of the rational choice perspective purport to offer much more than just an expansion of the deterrence theory. Indeed, the rational choice models in the literature go well beyond this to paint a picture of partial rationality with various situational and cognitive constraints and deterministic notions of causes and motivations. Coleman, who is the chief proponent of rational choice models in sociology sees serious deficiencies in directly applying the economic model of rationality to real players, even in very restricted social situations.