Hirschi's Social Bond Theory

Question 1

Why does Hirschi differ?

Answer 1

• Hirschi studied why people do not commit crime and deviance

Question 2

What are bonds of attachment?

Answer 2

• This is a consensus theory which argues when crime increases, the bonds attaching people to society weaken
• Crime is a result of weakened social bonds, there are four social bonds which stop people from committing crime and keeps individuals attached to the value consensus of social control and order

Question 3

What are the four social bonds?

Answer 3

1. A shared belief of what is right and wrong in society
2. Commitment to activities such as education and career
3. Involvement, people are too busy to commit crimes
4. Attachment to the people we care about and not wanting to jeopardize this

Question 4

What is an evaluation of the social bond theory?

Answer 4

• An incomplete explanation of what creates strong or weaker bonds
• Some criminals have strong bonds therefore it doesn’t explain why these people commit crime
• Does not explain the type of crime people commit
• Assumes everyone is naturally bad
• Encourages surveillance and results in labelling