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35 - The Opportunity Approach to Compliance

from Part V - Capacity and Opportunity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 May 2021

By
Benjamin van Rooij  and
Adam D. Fine
Edited by
Benjamin van Rooij  and
D. Daniel Sokol
Benjamin van Rooij
Affiliation:
School of Law, University of Amsterdam
D. Daniel Sokol
Affiliation:
University of Florida
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Summary

Abstract: The opportunity approach to compliance focuses on understanding how rule-breaking behaviour takes place and then tries to reduce the factors that enable rule breaking. This chapter reviews two core criminological theories within the opportunity approach: routine activity theory and situational crime prevention. The chapter assesses empirical evidence as to whether policies based on these theories can reduce rule-violating behaviour. Moreover, it discusses the extent to which the opportunity approach can result in displacement and adaptation effects. And, finally, it explores potential downsides to the opportunity approach such as victim blaming and reductions in autonomy and freedom of choice.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Compliance , pp. 516 - 528
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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