Questions and Answers
What theories are under the social process school of thought?
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?
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How does social control affect our everyday lives?
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Describe macrosociological studies.
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What is Hirschi's Social Control Theory?
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Describe the social bond attachment.
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Describe the type of attachment: parents.
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Describe the type of attachment: school.
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Describe the type of attachment: peers.
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Describe the social bond commitment.
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Describe the social bond involvement.
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Describe the social bond belief.
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Where can all of these social bonds be found?
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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.
