Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Crime is purposive in that the criminal behaviour is designed to meet the individual offender's need for money, status, sex and excitement.
Reason R: According to Rational Choice Theory, an offender, in self interest chooses to commit a crime on the basis of his/her assessment that it will be rewarding or profitable or satisfy some need better than a non-criminal behaviour.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is correct but R is not correct.
• D. A is not correct but R is correct.

Hint:

When an Assertion states a behavior and the Reason states a theory that explains why that behavior happens, R is usually the correct explanation of A.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Rational Choice Theory (RCT) suggests that criminals are rational actors who weigh the costs and benefits of their actions.
• It assumes that individuals seek to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion A
Criminal behavior is rarely random. From a sociological and psychological perspective, an offender commits a crime to achieve a specific goal—whether it is financial gain, social standing (status), or psychological gratification (excitement/sex). Therefore, crime is indeed "purposive." Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Evaluate Reason R
Rational Choice Theory explicitly states that people choose crime because they calculate that it serves their interests better than legal alternatives. They assess the "profit" (reward) versus the "risk" (punishment). Reason R is correct.

Step 3: Establish the link
Assertion A describes the nature of the act (purposive behavior to meet needs). Reason R provides the theoretical framework (Rational Choice) that explains how and why that purposive choice is made. Because the offender is rational, they behave in a purposive way to meet their needs.

Step 4: Conclusion
R is the logical explanation for A. Thus, option (A) is correct.