Question

Discuss and compare the lifestyle theory and the routine activity theory in victimology

Answer 1

Life style theory of victimization suggests that victims are affected because of their lifestyle such as walking alone in a dangerous street, living in a town or locality where more criminals live, alcohol or drug use, connecting oneself with criminals etc. Routine activity suggests that few situations make victims vulnerable to the offenders such as becoming a suitable target for attack or robbery, do not have someone to protect them as they don’t have anyone to support them and the availability of regular and motivated offenders.

Both the theories discuss the possibility of one being victimized by regular offenders in various situations. Life style theory looks at how people lead their life while Routine Theory suggests that people’s routine activities facilitate crime and make them a victim.