Questions and Answers
What does Containment Theory emphasize?
What is the aim of Control Theories?
To understand why people refrain from committing criminal acts.
What is a Delinquent Subculture?
A group of delinquent peers that can influence an individual to commit criminal acts.
Drift Theory asserts that people can only obey the law or break it, with no in-between.
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What does External Control refer to?
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What role does Internal Control play in an individual's behavior?
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What is Natural Motivation in control theories?
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What is the focus of Self-Control Theory?
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What does Social Bonding Theory state?
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What is meant by Social Control?
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Who coauthored A General Theory of Crime?
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Who developed the Social Bond Theory?
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What is David Matza known for?
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What did F. Ivan Nye contribute to the study of social controls?
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What theory did Walter Reckless propose?
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What did Albert J. Reiss identify as causes of delinquency?
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What is Gresham Sykes known for?
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Study Notes
Control Theories
- Containment Theory suggests that inner and outer forces influence an individual's likelihood of delinquency, requiring containment measures to prevent criminal behavior.
- Control Theories examine why individuals refrain from committing crimes, operating under the assumption that everyone has a natural inclination towards delinquent acts.
- The Delinquent Subculture refers to peer groups that may encourage criminal behavior for social approval, illustrating the collective influence on individual actions.
Drift Theory
- Drift Theory posits that individuals can oscillate between lawful and unlawful behavior, using techniques of neutralization as justifications for crime in times of weak social control.
Control Mechanisms
- External Control involves agents like parents, educators, and law enforcement that help prevent individuals from committing crimes.
- Internal Control focuses on an individual's self-regulation, including the impact of guilt and societal expectations on behavior.
- Natural Motivation implies a universal propensity for criminal thoughts within society, challenging the notion of unique individual motivations.
Self-Control and Social Bonds
- Self-Control Theory, formulated by Gottfredson and Hirschi, emphasizes self-regulation as a crucial determinant of criminality.
- Self-Concept is tied to containment theory, acting as a buffer against criminal activity akin to self-esteem.
- Social Bonding Theory highlights the significance of societal ties, comprising attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, in deterring delinquent behavior.
Social Control Agents
- Social Control encompasses various societal influences, such as family, religious institutions, and educational environments, that serve to curb criminal tendencies.
Key Theorists
- Michael Gottfredson co-authored A General Theory of Crime with Travis Hirschi, contributing foundational knowledge to control theories.
- Travis Hirschi is known for developing Social Bond Theory and publishing influential works like The Causes of Delinquency.
- David Matza introduced "techniques of neutralization" and expanded on Drift Theory, providing insights into juvenile delinquency.
- F. Ivan Nye's work expanded on definitions of social controls in delinquency through his publication Family Relationships and Delinquent Behavior.
- Walter Reckless formulated the Containment Theory of delinquency, linking external and internal influences.
- Albert J. Reiss identified delinquency as a product of inadequate personal and social controls, shaping early perspectives on the issue.
- Gresham Sykes collaborated with Matza on "techniques of neutralization," furthering the understanding of delinquent behavior.
Important Concepts
- Techniques of Neutralization serve as cognitive rationalizations for committing crimes when social control is perceived as weak or ineffective.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts in Chapter 6 of Sociology, focusing on Control Theories and Containment Theory. These flashcards will help you grasp the reasons behind delinquent behavior and the factors that prevent crime. Perfect for reviewing essential sociological theories.
