Criminal Acts and Choice Response The consensus model and the conflict model are the two ways society use to determine if an act is criminal. The consensus model is saying that society agrees with the views of right and wrong (Schmalleger, 2011). Consensus model is also showing society in agreement that anything that can cause harm to others is a criminal act (Schmalleger, 2011). The conflict model says that groups in power decide what a criminal act is (Schmalleger, 2011). The consensus model works together to make the system work while the conflict model argues whose view is right. The rational choice theory says that we are choosing to commit a crime (Schmalleger, 2011). For example, a person has very little income and has a bill due. This person sits back and thinks of ways to come up with the money. Ultimately this person decides the only way to get the money is to commit robbery. Using the rational choice theory this person chose to commit the crime and must now deal with the consequences. The rational choice theory also states that the person who chooses to commit the crime feels the gain from the crime is far better than the repercussions of ignoring the law (Schmalleger, 2011). The rational choice theory is part of neoclassical criminology. Neoclassical criminology says that we are the ones who choose to commit crimes or choose to abide by the law (Schmalleger, 2011).
Reference
Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice Today: An introductory text for the twenty-first century (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice