Marcus Felson

Marcus Felson is a prominent American criminologist known for his contributions to the understanding of crime patterns. He is best known for the Routine Activity Theory, which suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. This theory emphasizes how everyday activities and lifestyles influence crime rates, highlighting that changes in societal behaviors can affect opportunities for crime. Felson’s work helps in developing strategies for crime prevention by focusing on modifying settings and reducing opportunities for criminal activities.