The rational actor model of crime and criminological behaviour

Question 1

The rational actor model

Answer 1

The first identifiable tradition of explaining crime and criminal behavior

Question 2

The origins of the rational actor model

Answer 2

social, philosophical and economic ideas developed over the seventeenth and eighteenth century

Question 3

What dos the rational actor model have?

Answer 3

Social contract theories and utilitarianism

Question 4

Social contract theory

Answer 4

The notion the legitimate government is only possible with the voluntary agreement of free human beings who are able to exercise free will.

Question 5

What does the social model critique?

Answer 5

Provide an overwhelming critique of pre-modern forms of government

Question 6

How are humans viewed in the rational actor model?

Answer 6

Humans are viewed as rational actors (understand the consequences of actions), freely choosing to enter into contracts with others to perform interpersonal or civic duties.

Question 7

Punishment in the rational actor model

Answer 7

Society has a right to inflict punishment.

Question 8

Laws in the rational actor model

Answer 8

Laws can ensure compliance if fully approved by citizens.

Question 9

Main participants in the rational actor model

Answer 9

Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Question 10

What did the main participants in the rational actor model do?

Answer 10

Attacked the pre-modern legal systems with their criticism of the exercise of arbitrary powers by monarchs, established churches and aristocratic interests.

Question 11

Utilitarianism

Answer 11

Assesses the rightness of acts, policies, decisions and choices by their tendency to promote “happiness” of those affected by them. “good to the greatest number”