Ch. 2 - Explaining Deviance (Social Control Theories) Flashcards
What do social control theories focus on?
Why people do not become deviant as opposed to why people do.
What is the main assumption of social control theories?
That deviance is inherently attractive; yet most people do not engage in deviance.
What are the two social control theories?
Hirshi’s Social Bond theory and Gottfredson and Hirschi’s Self-Control theory.
What does Hirschi’s Social Bond theory specify about deviance/conformity?
Four types of social bonds promote conformity.
[Hirschi’s Social Bond] What are the four social bonds that promote conformity?
Attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
[Hirschi’s Social Bond] What is attachment?
The level of emotional attachment to others. People without strong attachment are more likely to engage in deviance.
[Hirschi’s Social Bond] What is commitment?
The energy and effort expended in the pursuit of conventional activities; results in a greater stake in conformity. One has more to lose.
[Hirschi’s Social Bond] What is involvement?
The amount of time invested in conventional activities, leaving no time for deviance.
[Hirschi’s Social Bond] What is belief?
The adoption of the norms and values of the conventional world.
What does Gottfredson & Hirschi’s Self-Control theory posit about deviance?
We restrain ourselves, those who lack self-control are more prone to deviance.
[Gottfredson & Hirschi’s Self-Control] What is thought to be essential to self-control?
Proper child-rearing.
What is the criticism Self-Control theory?
It’s definition and measurement for self-control is vague.
What is the criticism of all social learning theories?
Both theories ignore peer associations.
