Opportunity Approach and Trait Approach: Focusing on the UK and the US Theories and Research

This study compared opportunity approach with trait approach. Both approaches are the representative theoretical explanations for victimization developed in Western countries, especially in the UK and the US. For the ami, the study focused on the UK and the US. First, the study showed the evolution of opportunity approach and trait approach by explaining various opportunity theories and trait theories. Also, the study examined how well opportunity approach and trait approach are empirically supported by previous research. The results showed that both approaches are supported by previous research. Finally, the study examined which approaches better explained victimization between opportunity approach and trait approach. For the purpose, the core concepts of lifestyle-routine activities theory that is a representative theory in opportunity approach and the core concepts of low self-control theory that is a representative theory in trait approach were compared. The findings showed that either opportunity approach or trait approach could not completely explain victimization. The findings might indicate that the integration of the two approaches is needed.