Which theory suggests that youths engage in delinquent behavior after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions?

The theory that suggests youths engage in delinquent behavior after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions is choice theory. This approach posits that individuals make rational decisions based on the perceived rewards and risks associated with their actions. According to choice theory, when young people evaluate their options, they will be more likely to commit delinquent acts if they feel the potential rewards outweigh the possible repercussions.

This theory acknowledges the importance of free will and the decision-making process, asserting that individuals are not simply driven by biological impulses or social pressures but actively consider their actions. Understanding this concept is essential for analyzing juvenile delinquency, as it emphasizes the role of personal agency in the decision to engage in delinquent behavior.

The other options, while relevant to criminology, do not focus on the rational evaluation of consequences and benefits in the same way. Routine activities theory looks at how the presence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of capable guardianship can lead to crime, rather than individual decision-making. Trait theory considers inherent characteristics and tendencies that might predispose individuals to delinquency, focusing on biological or psychological factors rather than rational choice. Classical criminology also emphasizes the idea of deterrence and punishment but does so in a more philosophical context, concentrating more on punishment as