Crime & Deviance - Control Theory (Hirschi)

Question 1

According to functionalists, What is social order based on?

Answer 1

Shared values & institutions -> institutions integrating individuals into society

Question 2

What is the key difference between control theory & other theories about crime & deviance?

Answer 2

It asks why people don’t commit crime, opposed to others that ask why they do

Question 3

Why is crime committed, according to control theory?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the 4 social bonds according to Hirschi?

Answer 4

Attachment
Involvement
Belief
Commitment

Question 5

What is the Attachment social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is the Involvement social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is the Belief social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is the Commitment social bond & why does it discourage people from committing crimes?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

EVALUATION: What are some strengths of control theory?

Answer 9

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)

Question 10

EVALUATION: What are some limitations of control theory?

Answer 10

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