Definition of the theories
Rational choice theory is a criminology concept that holds human being as a reasoning actor who can assess the costs and benefits, means and ends and make a rational decision (Miller, 2009).
Social disorganization theory is defined as the inability of the members of the community to solve the existing problems or achieve shared societal values in unison.
The Strain theory claims that the existing social structures within a community may influence the citizens to engage in crime.
The theories are the most defendable theories today because they involve prevailing events and ideologies in our society. The theories help to explain why people engage in the criminal activities. For instance, people commit crime because it can be easy, satisfying and rewarding.
Relevance of each of these theories to crime in the 21st century
The rational choice theory assumes that a crime is a personal choice to meet the offender’s desires and needs for things such as sex and excitement, status, wealth, and money among others through decision-making processes. The capability to meet these needs requires a person to make choices and decisions that are constrained by the ability, limits and availability of useful resources (Eriksson, 2011). In the contemporary world, individuals make rational choices to decide how their opportunities can maximize their desires and needs. Therefore, understanding how individual’s behaviors to “maximize pleasure and minimize pain” vary would help to understand different levels of crime. Concisely, the rational choice theory takes both empirical and normative theories of individual behavior that can be assessed to curb crime.
The social disorganization theory has always been relevant in explaining the patterns of crime in the society. The theory assumes that strong networks of social relationships will eliminate the incidences of crime (Harris, 2003). The social relationships help to build a bond with each other, and the society speaks in one voice and cooperates to make life better. In the 21st century, most of the community members have failed to work with one another, and this explains the high crime rate.
In the 21st century, the strain theory has established the strains and stressors that increase crime rates. The strains may create unnecessary emotions like anger and frustration thus an individual commits a crime in the process (Agnew, 2006). The negative feeling of an unemployed individual may lead him or her to theft or drugs selling activities. The strains have the likelihood to cause crime though research shows that only the minority of strained people commit crime.
In my opinion, the social disorganization theory best suits in the social context since it explains the community structure, ethnic diversity and relocation of people in relation to crime. It is the mostly used theory to explain the causes of crime in the society.
Future
In the future, the rational choice theory is also applicable where the crime calls for rational management. Due to the innovation and growth of technology, the crime is anticipated to take the philosophical perspective and, therefore, requires the rational choice approach (Piquero, & Tibbetts, 2002).
The social disorganization theory will be significant in the future since it is expected that a society will experience greater ethnic diversity. The customs and traditions of people will vary thus creating fear and mistrust that can lead to crime. The social disorganization will diversify with time giving an opportunity to study its relation to crime in the future.
In the future, it will be easier to deal with the strain theory by developing the coping strategies that will assist individuals to deal with strains (Agnew, 2006). The strategies will be effective to reduce the crime rates by lessening the amount of strain in an individual. The people will have the opportunity to accept responsibility and avoid the negative feeling that can cause crime.
References
Agnew, R. (2006). Pressured into crime: An overview of general strain theory. Los Angeles, Calif: Roxbury Pub.
Eriksson, L. (2011). Rational choice theory: Potential and limits. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Harris, M. L. (2003). Social disorganization theory: Examining the mediating effects of social ties and disorder on crime.
Miller, J. M. (2009). 21st century criminology: A reference handbook. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
Piquero, A. R., & Tibbetts, S. G. (2002). Rational choice and criminal behavior: Recent research and future challenges. New York: Routledge.
