What theory suggests that criminal victimization rises when motivated offenders and suitable targets converge?

The correct choice, Routine Activities Theory, posits that criminal victimization is influenced by the interaction of three elements: motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. This theory emphasizes the importance of opportunity in the occurrence of crime, suggesting that crimes are more likely to happen when individuals with a desire to commit offenses come into contact with individuals or objects that present an opportunity for victimization, and when there are no protective factors in place to deter the crime.

For instance, if a motivated offender has a target that is unprotected, like a person walking alone at night or a house without security, the likelihood of the crime occurring increases significantly. This theory helps to explain fluctuations in crime rates based on changes in routine social activities, urban planning, and law enforcement practices.

The other theories presented do not capture this specific dynamic in the same way. Cultural Selection Theory focuses on how cultural practices and norms evolve, rather than the situational context of crime. Environmental Design Theory relates to how the design of physical spaces can influence behavior but does not specifically address the convergence of offenders and targets as a mechanism for criminal behavior. Social Learning Theory deals with how individuals learn behaviors through observing others, which is more about the acquisition of criminal behavior rather than the situ