Routine Activity and Rational Choice: Advances in Criminological Theory

by Ronald V. Clarke

Two new criminological approaches are defined and applied to categories of crime in  Routine Activity and Rational Choice , now available in paperback. Routine activity analyzes the criminal event, and avoids motivations and psychology as topics for discussion, whereas rational choice approaches crime as purposive behavior designed to meet the offender's commonplace needs, such as money, status, sex, and excitement. These conceptual models are both employed to analyze such crimes as drunk driving, gun use, kidnapping, and political violence. This volume discusses the relationship of these theories to more traditional approaches to crime studies. The Advances in Criminological Theory series encourages theory construction and validation in the articles and themes selected for publication. It also furthers the free exchange of ideas, propositions, and postulates. Following publication of the first volume, Michael J. Lynch of Florida State University asserted that " Advances in Criminological Theory  is to be applauded as an attempt to revive criminological theory by providing an accessible outlet." Contributions to this volume Pierre Tremblay, "Searching for Suitable Co-offenders"; Raymond Paternoster and Sally Simpson, "A Rational Choice Theory of Corporate Crime"; Richard B. Felson, "Predatory and Dispute-related Violence"; Gordon Trasler, "Conscience, Opportunity, Rational Choice, and Crime"; Ezzat A. Fattah, "The Rational Choice/Opportunity Perspectives as a Vehicle for Integrating Criminological and Victimological Theories"; Patricia L. Brantingham and Paul J. Brantingham, "Environment, Routine, and Situation"; Maurice Cusson, "A Strategic Analysis of Crime"; Richard W. Harding, "Gun Use in Crime, Rational Choice, and Social Learning Theory."

428 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Ronald Victor Gemuseus Clarke was an English criminologist and University Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University–Newark. He was also the associate director of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.