Rational Choice vs Labeling Theory

Over time, many theories have been developed to explain crime. Some are more effective and feasible in explaining crime than others. This can be seen in the cases of Rational Theories and the Labeling Theory, Rational Theories being the better explanation. To prove this point, we will first examine the Labeling theory and its policy implication. The Labeling theory works on the basis that when dealing with crime, the behavior is not as important as …

…person at the time of the action. This is seen by the fact that people may kill in the heat of passion and while they did chose to kill they were not, however in the eyes of most making a rational decision. So, while both of these have their problems labeling theory clearly has more and rational choice theory when accompanied by routine activity theory and lifestyle theory is a much better explanation of crime.