Driving to Understand: Thinking About Rural Crime & Place

• In Event: Theorizing the Rural

Abstract

Many criminological theories are based on research from urban and metropolitan settings. To the extent that geography, spatial location, and crime differs in rural and other non-metropolitan settings, the application of theory to understanding these settings needs exploration. This paper discusses how criminological theoretical perspectives such as routine activities and rational choice apply to understanding patterns of crime and criminal opportunity in non-metropolitan settings. Findings from a series of field visits that included interviews and observation are discussed in relation criminological perspectives on crime and opportunity.

Authors

• Danielle M. Stoneberg, University of Central Oklahoma

• Kenzi N. Lockwood, University of Central Oklahoma

• Rashi K. Shukla, University of Central Oklahoma

• Paige L. M. Copple, University of Central Oklahoma

• Amanda L. Dorman, University of Central Oklahoma