control theory Flashcards
who is responsible for the control theory?
Hirschi1969
what is the control theory?
agree that social order is based on shared values and socialization through institutions integrating individuals into society, but instead of asking why people DO commit crime, control theory asks why some people DONT
argue all people suffer weaknesses that make them unable to resist crime, but social bonds encourage them to exercise self-control
what are the 4 social bonds of the control theory?
-commitment
-attachment
-belief
-involvement
what is meant by commitment?
-people are committed to conventional activities like working, education etc
-so they have a stake in conformity and don’t wish to risk this through involvement in crime
-eg promising career
what is meant by attachment?
-people are attached to those around them
-are sensitive to and interested in their needs and wishes
-eg don’t want to bring shame to loved ones
what is meant by belief?
-people share moral beliefs eg obedience to the law
-closely tied to socialization
what is meant by involvement?
-kept busy in sports teams, school activities, religious groups etc
-no time or opportunity for crime
what did Gottfredson and Hirschi add in 1990?
-inadequate self-control arising from weakened social bonds isn’t in itself enough to explain crime, opportunities for crime must also be present
evaluate the control theory
-recognises the importance of socialisation and social control
-assumes those who commit crime have broken away from the bonds tying them to mainstream values, but Merton and Matza assume criminals are committed to them
-doesn’t explain why some have weaker bonds than others, or why not everyone with weak bonds turn to crime
-doesn’t explain the variety of forms of crime and deviance
-doesn’t recognise its possible to be deviant and have tight social bonds eg white collar crime
-suggests everyone is a potential criminal so our behaviour should be monitored closely, which may create resentment
