Choosing crime

The significance of choice for situations of crime, crime behaviours and crime relationships is in: (1) the way crime becomes an option in particular social situations; (2) the manner in which crime becomes the result of choice; and (3) how crime may influence and determine other social choices.

To conceive of crime as choice implies a degree of rationality behind crime as decisions and actions. Crime as choice, or a consequence of choice, confounds representations which have crime emerging out of social determinants, beyond the influence and involvement of perpetrators and victims. Choice is not compatible with crime being explained away exclusively as a definition or a social reaction.

This conceptualisation of crime highlights those actions, responses and social connections which influence and formulate choice, as well as the opportunity provided for the choice to arise at all. Therefore, in relating crime and choice, it is conceded that while choice may be constrained by identifiable social determinants (see chapters 3 and 4), it is choice nonetheless. As such it relies on human interaction and decision-making. The decisions behind choice might range in their rationality from the passion of the moment through to careful calculation, but they remain decisions all the same.

Opportunity needs to connect with motive if crime choice is to eventuate. Motive is a more complex issue than rational choice theory suggests. An understanding of the nature of motive is crucial if the de-activation of crime choice, through a reduction of opportunity, is to occur.