Hirschi's social bond theory Flashcards
why is Hirschi different from other sociologists?
he looks at why people do not commit crime
Hirschis bond of attachment is a… meaning?
Hirschi’s ‘bonds of attachment’ is a consensus theory which argues that crime increases when the bonds attaching the individual to society weaken.
What did Hirschi argue?
Crime is a result of weakened social bonds
He argued there are 4 social bonds of attachment that stop people from committing crime and keeps people closely linked to the value consensus to ensure social control and order.
Shared belief of right and wrong
Commitment to conventional activities i.e. having a career – why jeopardise this?
Involvement - too busy to commit crime.
Attachment – we are connected to people we care about – why jeopardise this?
what are the 4 social bonds?
Shared belief of right and wrong
Commitment to conventional activities i.e. having a career – why jeopardise this?
Involvement - too busy to commit crime.
Attachment – we are connected to people we care about – why jeopardise this?
evaluating bond theory :
What causes weak or strong bonds?
Incomplete explanation
He tells us that weak bond causes deviant activity but doesn’t tell us what causes those week bonds.
What about criminals with strong bonds?
Some criminals appear to have strong bonds to society such as white collar and corporate criminals
Why are there so many different crimes?
Doesn’t explain the types of crime people commit
Are we all naturally bad?
Assumes we are all naturally bad
Encourages constant surveillance.
Results in labelling
Weakening social bonds
One of the biggest weaknesses of bond theory is that Hirschi doesn’t explain why some people have weak bonds and others have strong ones, or how they become so. This also links to the second point about criminals who appear to have strong bonds to society such as white collar and corporate criminals. Specific examples of Dr Harold Shipman and Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich can be used here. Both had very strong links to the community and society as a whole but still committed crimes.
It suggest that as potential criminals all behaviour should be closely monitored. Those who conform may resent the surveillance and some may be stereotyped and subject to unwanted harassment (labelling theory), this in itself may weaken the belief in law and justice weaking social bonds.
