Crime & Deviance - Control Theory (Hirschi) Flashcards
According to functionalists, What is social order based on?
Shared values & institutions -> institutions integrating individuals into society
What is the key difference between control theory & other theories about crime & deviance?
It asks why people don’t commit crime, opposed to others that ask why they do
Why is crime committed, according to control theory?
All humans suffer weaknesses that make them unable to resist the temptation to commit crime, however social bonds encourage us to exercise self-control but when they are broken or weakened, there is less self-control which causes people to commit crime
What are the 4 social bonds according to Hirschi?
Attachment
Involvement
Belief
Commitment
What is the Attachment social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?
Having affection & sensitivity to others e.g. their family/friends
This makes them interested in their wishes & don’t want to hurt them or disappoint them
What is the Involvement social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?
People being busy & having restricted opportunities for delinquency. Others in their community are made more aware of the potential harm of criminal behaviour
Crime isn’t committed -> having no time/opportunity
What is the Belief social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?
People’s moral beliefs around obeying the law may stop them from committing deviant acts.
An individual’s commitment to societal norms & values is determined if they are socialised into a value (belief) consensus
What is the Commitment social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?
People who do not want to risk committing crimes/deviant acts as they have an investment in conventional society e.g. raising a family/working.
EVALUATION: What are some strengths of control theory?
Recognises the importance of socialisation & social control
Assumes those who have committed crime have broken away from the bonds tying them to mainstream values (unlike Merton)
EVALUATION: What are some limitations of control theory?
Doesn’t explain the variety of forms of crime & deviance
Doesn’t acknowledge you can be deviant & have tight bonds e.g. white collar criminals with successful careers
Suggests everyone is a potential criminal & should be closely monitored/surveillance -> constant surveillance can undermine respect for law -> weakens bonds
Assumes social bonds mean the same to everyone -> doesn’t explain why some choose not to integrate
