
So, routine activities theory doesn’t suggest that it takes deep, psychological motivations to commit a crime instead, ordinary people can be convinced to commit crime relatively easily. Instead, routine activities theory is more interested in the victimization side, which is why it’s very influential in victimology. This is where the theory is different from most criminological theories, which are focused on why the offender wants to commit a crime. They’re not interested in why the offender is motivated. Cohen and Felson simply assume that a motivated offender is present.

Although this is one of the three central elements, routine activities theory is not very interested in it. So let’s have a look at each of these three elements. The Elements of the Routine Activity Approach When these three elements come together at the same time in the same space, crime occurs. Instead, the theory says that for crime to occur, three elements must be present, namely (1) a motivated offender, (2) a suitable target, and (3) the absence of capable guardians. Crime is not something extraordinary that requires a deep psychological analysis. The idea is that crime is the result of people’s everyday behavior, of the way in which offenders and victims go about their daily lives. So what does routine activities theory say? Routine activities theory is based on the idea that offenders make rational choices about whether to commit a crime. Routine Activities Theory: Definition and Meaning Contribution of Routine Activities Theory to Criminology.Routine Activities Theory and Crime Rates.The Capable Guardian in Routine Activities Theory.

The Elements of the Routine Activity Approach.

Routine Activities Theory: Definition and Meaning.
