Routine Activities Theory: Definition of the Routine Activity Approach to Crime

Summary

Routine Activities Theory, developed by Cohen and Felson in 1979, explains crime as a product of everyday life, not requiring deep psychological analysis. It posits that crime occurs when three elements align: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship. Originally designed to explain direct predatory crimes, it has expanded to cover various offenses. The theory attributes the rise in crime rates in the 1950s-1970s to changes in social structure, such as more women working outside the home and the increase in valuable, easily transportable items like TVs and stereos.

Takeaways

• 💡 Routine Activities Theory explains why crime occurs, focusing on everyday behaviors of offenders and victims.
• 📜 The theory was developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979.
• 🧠 Crime happens when three elements are present: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians.
• ❓ Unlike other criminological theories, Routine Activities Theory is not concerned with why offenders are motivated to commit crimes.
• 🎯 A suitable target's value, visibility, and accessibility make it more prone to crime.
• 👀 Capable guardianship can include police or ordinary people, whose mere presence can deter crime.
• 🏠 Routine Activities Theory gained attention for explaining the rise in crime between the 1950s and 1970s despite declining poverty rates.
• 👩‍💼 Changes in society, like more women working and people going out more, reduced guardianship in neighborhoods, making crimes easier.
• 📺 During the same period, the increase in valuable, easily stolen items (like televisions) contributed to the rise in crime.
• 🔑 Routine Activities Theory focuses on the presence of suitable targets and guardianship, making it an influential theory in victimology and criminology.

Q & A

What is Routine Activities Theory?

Routine Activities Theory is a criminological concept that explains why crime happens. It suggests that crime is the result of people's everyday behavior and the way offenders and victims go about their daily lives.

Who developed Routine Activities Theory?

Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson developed Routine Activities Theory in 1979.

What are the three elements required for crime to occur according to Routine Activities Theory?

The three elements required for crime to occur are a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians.

Why is the concept of a 'motivated offender' considered less important in Routine Activities Theory?

In Routine Activities Theory, the concept of a 'motivated offender' is less important because the theory assumes that such an offender is always present and focuses more on the victimization side.

What factors make a target suitable according to the theory?

A target is considered suitable based on its value, inertia (difficulty to move), visibility, and accessibility.

How has Routine Activities Theory been applied to different types of crimes?

While originally developed to explain direct contact predatory crimes, Routine Activities Theory has been applied to various types of crimes including drug dealing, cyber crime, and white-collar crime.

What is the role of 'guardianship' in Routine Activities Theory?

Guardianship in Routine Activities Theory refers to the presence of people who can prevent crime, not just the police. It's the presence of ordinary people that can act as guardians and deter crime.

How does Routine Activities Theory explain the increase in crime rates between the 1950s and 1970s in Western countries?

The theory suggests that the increase in crime rates was due to a decrease in guardianship as more women entered the workforce and fewer people were at home, along with an increase in suitable targets like expensive electronics.

What does Routine Activities Theory imply about the nature of crime?

Routine Activities Theory implies that crime is not extraordinary but a product of everyday life, occurring when opportunities align with a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of guardianship.

How does Routine Activities Theory differ from traditional criminological theories?

Routine Activities Theory differs from traditional criminological theories by focusing more on the presence of suitable targets and guardianship rather than on the motivation of offenders.

What are the practical implications of Routine Activities Theory for crime prevention?

The practical implications of Routine Activities Theory for crime prevention include increasing guardianship in neighborhoods and reducing the visibility and accessibility of potential targets.