Explain The Theories: Rational Choice Theory Of Criminal Behavior

1. Please explain the theories: Rational Choice and Biological Imbalance- does either one provide an acceptable explanation of domestic violence? Explain. Rational Choice theory says that criminal behavior is not only a response to social pressures and upbringing, but it is also a choice. The offender’s choices may not always be rational and may draw on previously established beliefs about their opportunities to commit acts of violence. This theory focuses on the effectiveness of interventions to decide how to best reduce the benefits of crime and increase the cost of criminal action. Rational Choice theory is in the classical school, which is based on the idea that individuals choose to engage in crime (Gosselin, pp. 67-68, 2014). Biological

Physical indicators of physical harm include unexplained bruises or welts, unexplained (cigarette) burns, and unexplained fractures in multiple stages of healing. Behavioral indicators of physical harm include poor academic performance, accepting blame for something they did not do, developing an eating disorder, engaging in phobic behaviors, becoming either too withdrawn of too aggressive, and wearing baggy clothing. Physical indicators of emotional abuse include bed-wetting or bed soiling, complaints of headaches or abdominal pain, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, dressing differently than other family members and having deprived physical living conditions compared to other family members. Behavioral indicators of emotional abuse include severe developmental gaps, symptoms of depression or anxiety, symptoms of suicide or drug and alcohol use, being overly complaint or too well-mannered and displaying attention seeking behaviors or displaying extreme inhibition in play. Additionally behavioral indicators that indicate a parent may be emotionally abusing a child include labeling or publicly humiliating the child, threatening the child with physical harm, creating unrealistic expectations for the child, and involving the child in “adult issues” such as separation (Gosselin, p. 87,

Parens Patriae, developed in the Early Modern Period in the Chancery courts in Britain, referred to the right of the king to act in the best interest of the child, even if that meant going against the wishes of the natural parents. Although there is little evidence to suggest that the courts used this power to protect children from abuse or neglect, English Poor Laws in 1535 allowed children identified as neglected to be put to work in poorhouses (Gosselin, p. 84, 2014).

8. What is child physical abuse? In your opinion, what is the best way to deal with this type of violence for both the abusive caretakers, and the