Control Theory

Question 1

control theory - discipline, def. of deviance

Answer 1

supports high discipline, regulation, and punishment
deviance = absence of control or restraint

Question 2

causes of delinquency - HIRSCHI + bond styles

Answer 2

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)

Question 3

WEAK vs. STRONG social bonds

Answer 3

WEAK = increased deviance
STRONG = decreased deviance

Question 4

control vs. learning theory

Answer 4

control theory: learning is constant, control varies
(BIRDS OF A FEATHER, FLOCK TOGETHER)

learning theory: learning varies, control is constant
(MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO)

Question 5

Sutherland’s idea of control theory

Answer 5

learning is a constant, control is variable
criminal motive theories are unnecessary - crime can be explaining by human tendencies to learn alone

Question 6

self-control theory - Gottfredson and Hirschi

Answer 6

“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”

Question 7

criticisms

Answer 7

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