The nature and role of morality in situational action theory

Jennifer Barton-Crosby

doi:10.1177/1477370820977099

Abstract

For situational action theory (SAT), morality is key to the definition of crime and the explanation for why and how acts of crime happen: acts of crime are acts of moral rule-breaking and personal morality guides individuals’ perception of moral rule-breaking as an option before controls become relevant. However, the nature and role of morality in SAT can be misread. Within this article I respond to misinterpretations of the theory by elaborating and adding further context to the concept of morality in SAT. I contend that the root of misunderstanding is grounded in alternative assumptions regarding human nature: SAT assumes a fundamentally rule-guided human nature, whereas the prevailing view within criminology is that people are primarily self-interested. In this article I delineate SAT’s assumption of a rule-guided human nature and set out how this assumption informs the definition of crime and personal morality in the theory. I further specify the nature and role of morality in the perception of action alternatives, and in so doing distinguish SAT from theories that view constraint as the measure of morality. Finally, I develop and clarify SAT’s position on the relationship between morality and the law.

Highlights

Scholars have long been concerned with the role of morality in guiding people’s behaviour and maintaining the social order
The argument made by both Treiber (2014) and Wikström (2006) sets situational action theory (SAT) apart from the status quo within criminology, namely the tendency of theoretical frameworks based on utilitarian principles of human behaviour to posit and focus on a deliberative decision-making process, without consideration of how or why a person gets to a position of choosing between action alternatives to begin with
I have demonstrated that, whereas the assumption of a self-interested human nature can be identified in readings of the major theories of crime, SAT is grounded in the assumption of a rule-guided human nature

Summary

Introduction

Scholars have long been concerned with the role of morality in guiding people’s behaviour and maintaining the social order. Situational action theory (SAT) regards moral rules and individual morality as central to the definition of crime and the explanation of criminal behaviour (Wikström, 2006, 2010; Wikström et al, 2012).

Results

Conclusion