Which term describes the idea that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and lack of guardianship converge?

• A. Immigrant-serving organizations
• B. Routine activities theory
• C. Self-selection
• D. Culture conflict theory

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that crime arises when three things come together in a specific moment: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. This is Routine Activities Theory, which shifts the focus from who a offender is to the opportunities present in everyday environments. When a motivated person is faced with an inviting target and there’s little protection—like an unlocked door at night with no nearby guardians—the conditions are ripe for crime to occur. Prevention under this theory centers on disrupting that convergence: increasing guardianship (neighbors, alarms, lighting, police presence), making targets less appealing or easier to defend (locks, cameras, target-hardening), and reducing opportunities by altering routines or restricting access. The other options don’t fit because they describe different ideas: immigrant-serving organizations concern services rather than crime opportunities, self-selection involves individuals choosing contexts, and culture conflict theory emphasizes clashes of cultural values rather than the situational triad that drives crime.