AC2.1 Social Control Flashcards
What are the Internal Forms of Social Control? What are the definitions?
Rational Ideology - individuals hold an idea of what is right and wrong, so they abide by the law
Tradition - Linked to our upbringings, they condition us to know how to behave
Internationalisation of Social Rules - individuals are able to work out for themselves what social values and what is unacceptable
What are the External Forms of Social Control? What are the definitions?
Coercion - May be physical and cause bodily harm or non-violent such as boycott or strike.
Fear of Punishment - The use of punishment as a threat to stop offending, called deterrence:
- Individual Deterrence: Imposed on offenders in order to deter or prevent them from committing further crimes, such as a suspended prison sentence or conditional discharge.
- General Deterrence: The fear of punishment that prevents others from committing crimes, such as mandatory minimums or heavy financial penalties
What do control theories attempt to explain?
Why people do not commit crimes. They support the view that people require nurturing in order to develop attachments and bonds, important in producing internal controls.
What does Walter C. Reckless’ theory suggest?
A theory known as containment, arguing we can resist committing crime due to inner and outer containment. Inner containment comes from upbringing and influence from our family. Outer containment stems from influence from social groups and laws of society. The combination prevents deviations from social norms.
What does Travis Hirschi’s theory suggest?
That individuals;s must form social bonds to prevent criminality. We must have attachments, commitment, involvement and belief. Positive attachments promotes pro-social behaviour, whilst commitment motivates us to achieve positive future goals. Involvement in social activity and conforming to social rules, believing in their values such as honesty and crime is wrong, also prevents crime.
