Explanation
Situational Action Theory (SAT) is a criminological theory developed primarily by Swedish criminologist Per-Olof H. Wikström. The theory explains crime as the outcome of interactions between individuals and the environments in which they act.
SAT argues that criminal behavior emerges when individuals perceive crime as a morally acceptable option within a particular situation and possess sufficient self-control to act upon it.
The theory combines two key dimensions:
- individual characteristics such as morality and self-control,
- and environmental conditions such as criminogenic settings, peer influences, and opportunities.
According to SAT, crime is not simply caused by social background or rational calculation alone. Instead, offending depends on how individuals perceive action alternatives within concrete situations.
The theory therefore integrates insights from:
- control theories,
- rational choice theory,
- environmental criminology,
- and action theory.
SAT has become influential in contemporary developmental and situational criminology because it attempts to connect individual agency with environmental and moral contexts.
Theoretical Reference
Situational Action Theory is associated with Per-Olof H. Wikström, action theory, environmental criminology, rational choice theory, and developmental criminology.