C&D- Control Theories

Question 1

Social Control: Why do large-scale societies require formal social control?

Answer 1

Large-scale societies need formal social control (e.g., laws and law enforcement) alongside informal social control (e.g., social norms and values) to maintain order.

Question 2

Hirschi’s Social Bonds Theory: What is the main idea of Hirschi’s theory?

Answer 2

Hirschi (1960) argued that social order is based on shared values and socialisation. He identified four social bonds that encourage people to conform and avoid crime.

Question 3

Hirschi’s Social Bonds: What is the bond of Belief?

Answer 3

The bond of Belief refers to people sharing values, such as respect for others’ privacy, which helps deter crime.

Question 4

Hirschi’s Social Bonds: What is the bond of Attachment?

Answer 4

The bond of Attachment refers to people having a stake in conforming because of their relationships with family, friends, or others.

Question 5

Hirschi’s Social Bonds: What is the bond of Commitment?

Answer 5

The bond of Commitment refers to people being dedicated to their communities, which discourages them from engaging in deviant behavior.

Question 6

Hirschi’s Social Bonds: What is the bond of Involvement?

Answer 6

The bond of Involvement refers to individuals being actively engaged in community activities (e.g., sports teams), which helps them conform to social norms.

Question 7

Evaluation: What is the key contribution of Hirschi’s theory?

Answer 7

Hirschi’s theory highlights the importance of strong social bonds in preventing crime, offering a practical focus on community and value-based solutions.