Hirschi's Social Bond Theory

Question 1

Hirschi

Answer 1

Argues that criminal activity occurs when the individual attachment to society is weak or weakened. He explains this using four factors.

Question 2

Attachment

Answer 2

Attachment is concerned with the extent to which we care about other people’s opinions and wishes. For example, psychopaths are characterised by a lack of concern for the welfare or views of other people.

Question 3

Commitment

Answer 3

Commitment refers to the personal investments that each of us make in our lives. The person with less to lose is the one more likely to turn to crime.

Question 4

Involvement

Answer 4

Involvement describes a person’s level of activity or business interests. A person who is extremely busy with a wide range of legitimate activities may be too preoccupied to engage in deviancy.

Question 5

Belief

Answer 5

Belief refers to a person’s conviction that they should obey the rules of society.