Self-control Theory Flashcards
How does Hirschi shift away from social bond theory in self-control theory?
Moves the theory towards internal control rather than external social bonds
T or F: crime does not decline as a person gets older
False (crime is highest among adolescents and declines with age)
What is Robin’s paradox?
There is sometimes continuity and sometimes change between crime moving from adolescent to adult
What does the General Theory of Crime argue?
Crime changes over the life course but not criminality (the propensity to commit crime)
What is the difference between crime and criminality?
Crime is acts of force or fraud that pursue self-interest; criminality is an individual’s susceptibility to temptations
What are the two assumptions of self control theory?
Humans are self-interested(hedonistic); self-Control is developed through socialization at an early age
The general theory of crime says that all types of crime can be explained by:
Low self control + opportunity to commit crime
At what age is self-Control typically developed?
8
What are components of low self-control?
Inability to defer immediate gratification; preference of physical activities over mental; self-centeredness; little forethought before acting
How is self-control best developed?
Effective parenting at a young age; schooling also
T or F: a person with low self-control will be more likely to commit crime and analogous acts
True
What are analogous acts?
Deviant behavior (smoking, drinking)
What are the 6 components of self control?
Impulsive, preference for simple tasks, risk-seeking, physical, self-centered, quick temper
What does Grasmick’s study find about self control?
Opportunity of crime is more important than self-control
How does Gottfredson and Hirschi better define self-control?
The inability to be moved by long-term consequences of actions
How does Hirschi combine social bond theory and self-control theory?
Social bond can be used as measurement of self-control
What are criticisms of self control?
The role of opportunity is not developed; not supported that self control is stable over life; tautological; cannot account for gender differences; does not allow for good kids to become bad
What are policy implications of self control?
Aim treatments early on before self-control stabilizes, train parents, assistance to struggling families
What are the 4 kinds of parenting?
Authoritarian; authoritative; permissive; uninvolved
What is authoritarian parenting?
Parents expect orders to be obeyed; rely on punishment to maintain control
What is authoritative parenting?
Encourage kids to be responsible, think for themselves, consider the reasons for rules
What is permissive parenting?
Caring and warm towards children but hesitant to enforce rules
What is uninvolved parenting?
Parents offer no emotional support; do not enforce rules
Which type of parenting tends to produce delinquents the most?
Uninvolved
