Classical ideology was the dominant paradigm for over a century, but it was eventually replaced by positivist 
approaches that seek to identify causes of criminal behavior. However, classical ideology had a resurgence 
during the 1970s in the United States. Neoclassical theory recognizes people experience punishments 
differently, and a person’s environment, psychology, and other conditions can contribute to crime as well. 
Therefore, crime is a choice based on context. Many crime-prevention efforts used classical and neoclassical 
premises to focus on “what works” in preventing crime instead of focusing on why people commit criminal 
acts. 
Cornish and Clarke (1986) proposed a Rational Choice Theory to explain criminals’ behavior.
1 They 
claimed offenders rationally calculate costs and benefits before committing crime and assumed people want 
to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. The theory does not explain motivation, but instead, it expects 
some people will always commit a crime when given the opportunity. They do not assume offenders 
are entirely rational, but they do have bounded rationality. Bounded rationality is the constraint of  both 
time and relevant information; offenders must make a decision in a timely fashion with the information at 
hand. Offenders cannot wait forever nor can they wait for more information before committing a crime. 
For example, if you were walking down a street and noticed an open window in a parked car, you may 
contemplate looking in. If you saw something inside, you may then consider stealing it. An entirely rational 
person may look around to see if there are any witnesses, try to determine if the owner is coming back soon, 
and so on. Ideally, you may wait until nightfall. However, you may miss your opportunity. Thus, you need 
to make a quick decision with the relevant facts at that time. 
That was an example of a “crime-specific” model. All crimes have different techniques and opportunities. 
Additionally, they assume all crime is purposeful with the intention to benefit the offender. To dissuade 
offenders, Rational Choice Theory emphasized the significance of informal sanctions and moral costs. 
The theory advocates for a situational crime prevention approach by reducing opportunities. Reducing 
opportunities is much easier to manipulate and change compared to changing society, culture, or individuals. 
Ultimately, situational crime prevention strategies try to crime a less attractive choice. 
Another neoclassical theory is Routine Activity Theory. Cohen and Felson (1979) claimed changes in the 
modern world have provided more opportunities for offenders.
2 Since the conclusion of World War II, more 
people have entered the workforce, and more people spend time away from home. Cohen and Felson stated 
that three things must converge in time in space for a crime to be committed – a motivated offender, a 
suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. 
1. Cornish, D.B., & Clarke, R.V. (1986). Crime as a rational choice. In R.V. Clarke and D.B. Cornish, The reasoning criminal. New York, 
NY: Springer-Verlag. 
2. Cohen, L.E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activiity approach. American Sociological Review, 44, 
588-608. 
ALISON S. BURKE, DAVID CARTER, BRIAN FEDOREK, TIFFANY MOREY, LORE RUTZ-BURRI, AND SHANELL
SANCHEZ
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