Criminology: Social Control Theory Overview
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Questions and Answers

What theories are under the social process school of thought?

  • Labeling theory
  • Social control theory
  • Social learning theory
  • All of the above (correct)
  • What is social control theory?

    It is a theory that focuses on techniques and strategies that regulate human behavior and lead to conformity, or obedience to society's rules.

    How does social control affect a person's behavior?

    The more a person is involved and committed to conventional activities and values, the less likely they are to violate society's rules.

    What does social control define?

    <p>Social control defines what is right or wrong and what is a violation of the law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does social control affect our everyday lives?

    <p>Societal norms change frequently, affecting personal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe macrosociological studies.

    <p>These studies explore formal systems for the control of groups, laws, and law enforcement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Hirschi's Social Control Theory?

    <p>It explains conformity and adherence to rules, highlighting four social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the social bond attachment.

    <p>There are three types of attachment: to parents, school, and peers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the type of attachment: parents.

    <p>Youth who have formed a significant attachment to their parents tend to refrain from delinquency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the type of attachment: school.

    <p>Poor performance in school often leads to delinquency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the type of attachment: peers.

    <p>Peer attachment is considered the least important bond according to Hirschi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the social bond commitment.

    <p>Greater commitment to conventional actions reduces the likelihood of delinquency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the social bond involvement.

    <p>Being preoccupied with socially beneficial activities reduces delinquency risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the social bond belief.

    <p>Belief in society's value system affects one's bond to society, impacting delinquency risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where can all of these social bonds be found?

    <p>They can be found in various social contexts, particularly in families and social environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Social Process Theories

    • Includes labelling theory, social control theory, and social learning theory.

    Social Control Theory

    • Focuses on techniques and strategies that regulate human behavior to promote conformity and obedience to societal rules.
    • Influenced by family, school, religious beliefs, moral values, friends, and political views.

    Impact of Social Control on Behavior

    • Higher involvement and commitment to conventional activities reduce likelihood of rule violation.
    • Strong attachments to family, school, and friends act as protective factors against criminal behavior.
    • Absence of controlling forces increases risk of criminal activities.

    Definition of Social Control

    • Establishes societal standards of right and wrong and identifies violations of law.
    • Donald Black describes social control as the enforcement of standards in various societal settings, such as streets and homes.

    Societal Norms and Everyday Life

    • Norms shift over time, influencing legal restrictions on behavior.
    • Historical example: public smoking was once unrestricted, whereas modern laws impose specific regulations.

    Macrosociological Studies

    • Examine formal systems for controlling groups, such as legal systems and law enforcement.
    • Can have both positive (guidance to inhibit rule-breaking) and negative (oppressive practices) effects.
    • Also investigate informal systems, focusing on families and schools.

    Hirschi's Social Control Theory

    • Explains reasons for conformity rather than deviance.
    • Identifies four social bonds promoting socialization: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
    • Developed through research on 4,000 California high school students.

    Social Bond: Attachment

    • Comprises three types: attachment to parents, school, and peers.

    Parent Attachment

    • Strong parental bonds deter delinquency; consequences of actions can jeopardize relationships.
    • Key factors for healthy attachment: quality time, communication, and affection.

    School Attachment

    • Poor academic performance correlates with increased delinquency.
    • Negative feelings toward school and authority figures can lead to increased rule-breaking activities.

    Peer Attachment

    • Considered the least impactful bond by Hirschi, as personal advantage is prioritized over peer acceptance.

    Social Bond: Commitment

    • Greater commitment to conventional actions (e.g., educational and career goals) reduces likelihood of delinquency.

    Social Bond: Involvement

    • Engaging in constructive activities limits opportunities for delinquent behavior.
    • Participation in school-related tasks, volunteering, and extracurriculars promotes positive engagement.

    Social Bond: Belief

    • Pertains to an individual’s acceptance of societal values, independent of personal beliefs.
    • A loss of faith in fairness of laws can weaken societal bonds, increasing delinquency risk.

    Social Bonds and Visa Students

    • Observations suggest a lack of attachment to social bonds among Visa students may influence their behavior.

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    Description

    Explore the key concepts of Social Control Theory within the framework of criminology. This quiz highlights the main theories under the social process school of thought and examines how various social influences shape human behavior.

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