AC2.1 Control Theories

Question 1

What is the key idea of Hirschi’s control theory?

Answer 1

People obey laws due to their bonds to society. If these bonds are weak, crime is more likely

Question 2

What are Hirschi’s four social bonds?

Answer 2

CABI

1.Commitment – Having goals (e.g., education, career).

2.Attachment – Caring about others’ opinions (e.g., parents, teachers).

3.Belief – Accepting laws and moral values.

4.Involvement – Engaging in legal activities (e.g., sports, school).

Question 3

What do Gottfredson and Hirschi say about delinquency?

Answer 3

Poor socialisation and weak parental discipline lead to low self-control, increasing delinquency.

Question 4

What do Riley and Shaw say about parenting and social control?

Answer 4

Parents reduce delinquency by:

1.Taking interest in their child’s school and friends.

2.Spending quality time with them.

3.Teaching disapproval of crime and its consequences.

Question 5

What is Walter Reckless’s Containment Theory?

Answer 5

Internal containment: Self-control developed through strong moral values.

External containment: Parental discipline and social pressures preventing crime.

Question 6

Heidensohn (1985) – Social Control and Female Crime

Why do women commit fewer crimes than men?

Answer 6

:Women are controlled more strictly than men in three areas:

•Home (domestic responsibilities, parental control).

•Public (fear of male violence, sexual harassment).

•Workplace (glass ceiling, limited power).

Question 7

Carlen (1988) – Women and Crime

: Why do some women commit crime?

Answer 7

Many female offenders had troubled upbringings, including:

•Abuse in the home.

•Growing up in care (lack of parental bonds).