Control Theory Flashcards
control theory - discipline, def. of deviance
supports high discipline, regulation, and punishment
deviance = absence of control or restraint
causes of delinquency - HIRSCHI + bond styles
social bonding restrains most people from crime
bond types:
- attachment (bond to others)
- commitment (stake in conformity)
- involvement (conventional behaviour)
- belief (in the law and adherence to it)
WEAK vs. STRONG social bonds
WEAK = increased deviance
STRONG = decreased deviance
control vs. learning theory
control theory: learning is constant, control varies
(BIRDS OF A FEATHER, FLOCK TOGETHER)
learning theory: learning varies, control is constant
(MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO)
Sutherland’s idea of control theory
learning is a constant, control is variable
criminal motive theories are unnecessary - crime can be explaining by human tendencies to learn alone
self-control theory - Gottfredson and Hirschi
“A GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME” - CRIMINALS LACK SELF CONTROL
- aging + low levels of self control = criminal behavour
- parents must use effective parenting to teach kids good self-control for lifelong stability (monitor, recognize deviance, punish)
- “… nearly all crimes are mundane, simple, trivial, easy, aimed at satisfying impulse”
criticisms
doesn’t explain why some criminals commit more extreme crime than others
self-control can change throughout life
minimal suggestions for minimizing crime
doesn’t explain gender disparity of offenders