Sociological Explanation of Theft

This study aims to explore the relationship between rational choices and punishment with the amount and type of thefts among thieves imprisoned in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad province. The study was conducted in a descriptive-syrvey method through distribution of a questionnaire. Population of the study included thieves incarcerated in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad province penitentiary sampled 220 participants through total number of sampling. Findings of the study showed that among various dimensions of rational choices as a variable, 5 dimensions of cohesion, moral belief, formal punishment, investment, and opportunity were meaningful and 4 dimensions including self-interest, informal penalty, self-control, and curiosity are not meaningful. Cohesion and moral belief were the strongest predicators respectively and informal penalty was the weakest predicator among all 9 dimensions of rationale choice variable.