Testing a Unified Anomie and Choice Model of Offender Decision Making

Kyle J. Thomas

Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE), 2025, vol. 181, issue 1, 204-224

Abstract: Disciplinary differences in sociology and economics have manifested in the former emphasizing structural risk factors and the latter individual choice. In attempt to help bridge this divide, I incorporate rational choice inputs to Mertonian anomie theory. I test this model employing panel data models using the Pathways to Desistance study. The results indicate that "objective" socioeconomic disadvantage reduces individuals' perceptions of opportunities for legitimate avenues of success and a weakening of pro-social value orientations. Further, weakening of conventional values predict tolerance for risk and views of the thrills and excitement from crime which in turn are predictive of individual offending.

Keywords: rational choice; anomie; social structure; crime (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: K42 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1628/jite-2025-0011

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