Offenders Make Decisions

Abstract

This paper examines the results of a study which set out to ascertain applicability of Rational Choice Theories of offending to offenders’ actual experiences. The Rational Choice perspective views the offender as a reasoning individual who weighs up potential costs and benefits of a crime. Though subject to criticism, this approach is influential as part of the dominant ethos of the Criminal Justice system in England and Wales. Despite this, studies examining actual offending experiences rather than a student or non-offending population are relatively rare. Forty six offenders were interviewed, with mixed offending backgrounds. Results suggest that rationality can be seen to vary both within and between individuals and within and between offence types. Suggestions are made as to how an offenders’ motivation can affect their ability to make a decision, and how these motivations can be understood in the context of the offence.