The rational choice theory states that any behavior that a human has is as a matter of choice (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). In fact, anybody has an option to choose the kind of behavior he or she would like, depending on the needs they have. Therefore, criminal behavior is also a choice that one makes consciously. A person chooses to go against the law after careful consideration of the potential benefits that they would get out of it. One will avoid breaking the law if the potential benefits are outweighed by the dangers associated.
Controlling Juvenile Delinquency
When applying the rational choice theory, one can control juvenile delinquency using three ways (Siegel & Welsh, 2014).First, one can make the juveniles understand that committing a crime attracts heavy punishment, and therefore they should keep off it. Secondly, juvenile delinquents should be heavily punished so that they do not commit crimes in the future. Finally, it is essential to make it difficult to commit a crime by making its potential dangers more severe than the gains.
The Trait Theory
The trait theory, however, discredits the rational choice theory. It states that one's character determines the criminal behavior. The person's IQ, as well as physical appearance, may contribute to criminal behavior from the individual, unlike the notion that one is motivated by the potential benefits (Figueredo, Gladden, & Hohman, 2011). Theorists in this model argue that human behavior is a product of factors that cannot be controlled by an individual. Criminal behavior, therefore, cannot be controlled.
The Biosocial Theory
It is worth mentioning that the biosocial theory is part of the trait theory. It states that human behavior is a combination of biological and environmental factors. The personal traits of an individual, combined with the environment that the person grows up in, affect the way the person behaves (Figueredo et al., 2011). For instance, a person brought up in a harsh environment is more likely to go against the law. The theory is opposed to the view that only psychological factors contribute to the shaping of criminal behavior.
References
Figueredo, A. J., Gladden, P. R., & Hohman, Z. (2011). The evolutionary psychology of criminal behavior. Applied Evolutionary Psychology, ed. SC Roberts. Chapt, 13, 201-221.
Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. C. (2014). Juvenile delinquency: theory, practice, and law. Cengage Learning.
