Control Theories and Social Bonding Theory

Study Notes

Control Theories

Control theories posit that people conform to societal rules because of social control.
When social control is weakened or broken, individuals are more likely to engage in criminal activity.
Control theorists believe there is an innate motivation to engage in criminal behavior.
Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson are proponents of control theory.

Social bonding theory proposes that individuals conform due to their bonds with society.
Strong social bonds prevent crime.
Key concepts of social bonding theory:
- Attachment: Individuals care about the expectations of others and avoid criminal behavior to maintain those relationships.
- Commitment: Individuals invest in conventional goals and activities, creating a stake in conformity.
- Involvement: Engaging in conventional activities reduces opportunities for crime.
- Belief: Individuals adhere to societal values and norms, minimizing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Self-Control Theory

Low self-control is a key factor in criminal behavior.
Individuals with low self-control are more likely to act impulsively, seek immediate gratification, and engage in risky behavior.
Early childhood experiences play a significant role in developing self-control.
Two main branches of self-control theory:
- Criminological: focuses on the lack of self-control as the primary driver of criminal behavior.
- Psychological: views self-control as an "executive function" that governs emotional self-regulation.

Juvenile Gangs

Social gang members are primarily interested in social activities.
Party gangs prioritize social gatherings and use drug sales for personal consumption.
Serious delinquent gangs engage in serious criminal activity while avoiding drug dealing and usage.

Control Theories

People conform because of social control, they are more likely to commit crime when social control is weakened or broken.
Control theories argue there is a natural motivation to commit crime and external factors aren’t necessary for someone to commit crime.
Famous proponents of control theories include Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson.
Other theories that don’t focus on social control are considered "positivistic" theories.

Individuals conform because they care about the expectations of others, as they fear being judged or punished by them.
Attachment, commitment, involvement and belief are the four major components of social bonding theory.
Attachment refers to the degree of caring about the opinions of others which can prevent individuals from engaging in crime.
Commitment refers to the investment in conventional activities, these investments can discourage individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.
Involvement refers to the amount of time dedicated to conventional activities which can prevent individuals from engaging in deviance.
Belief refers to the acceptance of conventional values and norms.

Self Control Theory

Individuals with low self-control are more likely to commit crimes.
Low self-control arises from ineffective or incomplete socialization, often during early childhood.
The importance of early childhood socialization is emphasized in self-control theory.
There are two types of self-control theories: Criminological and Psychological.
Criminological self-control theory argues that lack of self-control is the main factor driving criminal behavior.
Psychological self-control theory focuses on "executive function", which is the ability to regulate emotional responses and behavior.

Juvenile Gangs

Social gangs are primarily interested in social activities, like partying, and may not necessarily engage in criminal activities.
Party gangs are more focused on social activities and drug use, with drug sales primarily financing their personal use.
Serious delinquent gangs engage in serious delinquent activities like assault or theft, but may avoid drug dealing and usage.

Description

Explore the principles of control theories and social bonding theory and their implications for understanding criminal behavior. This quiz covers key concepts such as social control, attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Learn how these theories explain the relationship between societal bonds and crime prevention.