Structural Determinants of Individual Perceptions and Preferences: Testing Rational Choice across Multiple Levels

• In Event: Offender Decision Making: Situation and Context

Abstract

Several scholars have argued that rational choice theories offer an individual theory of action well-suited to link macro and micro determinants of behavior (Coleman, 1990; Matsueda 2013). In this paper, we discuss and empirically test a rational choice model that links structural characteristic measures at the macro-level to perceived micro-level (dis)incentives thought to be considered in a potential offender’s rational calculus. We argue that structural factors influence individuals’ perceptions of legitimate opportunities and value orientations. In turn, these impact individuals’ perceptions of and preferences for the risks, costs, and rewards associated with offending. Specifically, we predict that individuals in structurally disadvantaged areas are more likely to perceive the risks and costs associated with crime as low, and the potential rewards to crime as high. Further, we predict that those residing in areas with limited legitimate opportunities will be more tolerant of the potential risks and costs associated with crime, and in turn are more responsive to the social and intrinsic rewards of offending. We test our hypotheses by linking Census data to data from the Pathways to Desistance Study. The implications of our findings for theory and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• Kyle Thomas, University of Missouri - St. Louis

• Eric P. Baumer, Pennsylvania State University

• Thomas A. Loughran, Pennsylvania State University