What are the general strengths and weaknesses of the rational choice theory of criminology?

Rational choice theory (RCT) maintains that people are rational beings who evaluate the consequences of their decisions
and move forward based on the expected outcomes. In other words, when confronted with a decision, we consider the
costs and benefits associated with each option. We then select the choice that will bring the most benefit with the least
amount of risk. From a criminological standpoint, this means offenders choose crime because the potential benefit of
said crime outweighs the risk.

The strength of RCT lies in its simplicity. It is a clear, straight-forward theory that is not only easy to understand, but
allows us to evaluate and consider others’ decisions.

Its weakness is that real life isn't simple, clear, or straight forward.

What are the weaknesses and strengths of rational theory in public policy?

Strengths:

The systematic model provides the policy researcher with a firm model for identifying objectives, analyzing alternatives,
making comparisons, selecting the best decision making. The rational model can also enhance the effectiveness and
efficiency of the process and aid in decision making. Citizens frequently relish the opportunity to impose a systematic
process that holds policymakers accountable for their decisions.

Weaknesses:

The rational model requires a tremendous amount of time and research to decide on a particular policy because the
system assumes the individual has the information on-hand. Often, in government, policymakers stop searching for
alternatives when the current one appears to be adequate. Bureaucracies are often tricky to navigate, and the
segmented system can be challenging to coordinate.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of current feminism?

Strengths?

Using mob rule and intimidation tactics to harass individuals, groups of people, and companies.

Political lobbying.

Having a perfectly reasonable dictionary definition to hide behind.

Weaknesses?

Their ideology.

Their philosophy.

Their inability to understand some pretty basic concepts in economics, sociology, and philosophy.

The fact that it becomes ever more apparent that they’re just another lobbying group appealing to the lowest common
denominator to garner enough support to bully, harass, and intimidate others into giving them their own way.

Feminism is a constantly evolving philosophy rooted in the idea that all genders should have equal opportunity and that
the root cause of the inequality is unconscious indoctrinated patriarchy in society.

Women can now vote

Women can own property

Women can divorce their husbands

Women can learn to read and write

Women can attend schools

Feminism strengths

Feminism strengths

-Gave WOMEN a VOICE. This is a strength as PRIOR to the FEMINIST MOVEMENT, SOCIOLOGY was regarded as 'MAE-
STREAM' (male dominated)

-Raised AWARENESS of GENDER ISSUES. This is a strength as through the growth of the MARXIST, LIBERAL and RADICAL
strands the SUBVERSION of WOMEN through their MALE-COUNTERPARTS has been HIGHLIGHTED.
-LIBERAL- ENOURMOUS CONTRIBUTION to the EMANCIPATION of WOMEN, still considered radical in some countries
that dont offer basic rights to women. Improved QUALITY of LIFE due to EDUCATIONAL and LEGAL REFORMS. (Rosemary
Tong)

-MARXIST- LOOKS at how CAPITALISM AFFECTS WOMEN'S POSITION in SOCIETY and has greaty contributed to our
UNDERSTANDING of WOMENS WORK.

-RADICAL- Made WONMEN'S Work more CLEAR and VISIBLE, CLEARLY HIGHLIGHTING the EXPLOITATION of WOMEN in
society.

feminism WEAKNESSES

-May be IGNORING WIDER FACTORS such as CLASS. This is a weakness because Feminists can FAIL to see the BIGGER
PICTURE of INEQUALITY, such as the CLASS SYSTEM.

-IGNORES other SOCIAL CATEGORIES such as DISABILITY, and NATIONALITY.

LIBERAL- FAILS to RECOGNISE that WORKING CLASS or BLACK WOMEN experience BARRIERS to ADVANCEMENT than
WHITE, MIDDLE CLASS WOMEN. (dismissed as a white, bourgeosie movement.)

-MARXISM- HEAVY RELIANCE on ECONOMIC analysis. CANNOT EXPLAIN the EXISTENCE of RAPE, FEMALE INFANTICIDE
and DOMESTIC ABUSE etc. FAILS to EXPLAIN why it is specifically WOMEN who OCCUPY LOW STATUS EMPLOYMENT as
CAPITALISM would STILL BENEFIT with MALE WORKERS PAID LOW.

RADICAL- Do NOT ANALYSE the way SOCIAL CLASS interacts with PATRIARCHY ie BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN the DEGREE
of SEXISM EXPERIENCED by BOURGEOSIE WOMEN in COMPARISON to PROLETARIAT WOMEN.

What are the weaknesses of institutionalism?

As critics, the institutionalists have exposed the weaknesses of classical economics, unreal assumptions and the abstract
method. But they have emphasised the usefulness of the role played by institutions. Their emphasis on evolutionary
process had been fruitful.

Strengths/Weakness of institutionalism

Strengths: Institutionalism is divided into rational choice institutionalism, historical institutionalism, sociological
institutionalism, and newly generated discursive institutionalism. They all think ideas matter, try to keep a dynamic view,
and to explain changes in institutional context. They divide ideas into different categories, and examine how they
interact with policy making. These four types of institutionalism can be supplementary to each other rather than
conflicting when getting rid of their differences. Insitutionalists try to dissolve the boundaries. So one can explain a
phenomenon more fully through a combination of different branches, instead of solely falling in one category.

Weaknesses: From my research so far, institutionalists examine their theories mainly in domestic policy sphere, while
international interactions are important. So I will examine the theories in Sino-US relations.

Institutionalism, in the social sciences, an approach that emphasizes the role of institutions.

The study of institutions has a long pedigree. It draws insights from previous work in a wide array of disciplines,
including economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.