Social Control Theories Flashcards
Why did social disorganization theories fall out of favour by the 1960s
The primary reason was because the early research was methodologically flawed
- example: the degree of social control was not measured correctly in bad neighborhoods only inferred
Also believed that socioeconomic status correlates with criminal behaviour (not true)
what is Hirschis social bond theory
Individuals are more likely to turn to illegitimate means if their bonds to society are weak or broken
What evidence does Hirschis social bond theory show that has tested the factors he posits controls against crime
- Attachment
- Commitment
- Involvement
- Belief
what is the evidence supporting control theories explanations for religion in preventing crime
studies done in Utah showed that the communities with high rates of people going to church had reduced levels of involvement in crime and delinquency compared to the communities with the lowest rates
What is the evidence weaking control theories explanations for religion in preventing crime
Hirschi and Starks research revealed that religiosity was not related to delinquency, but this could have been because of the secular bias among criminologists
what is the evidence supporting control theories explanation for school in preventing crime
the school plays a primary role in socialization and an important determinant of delinquency
- Those who are successful enjoy the experience and are rewarded and have a stake in conformity
What is the evidence weaking control theories explanations for school in preventing crime
The correlation between school failure and delinquency is strong
- those who fail may be rejected by peers and adults world and have less stake in conformity
what is the evidence supporting control theories explanations for family in preventing crime
emphasizes family relationships because they provide children with the attachments that restrain their deviance
- well supervised and disciplined children will have lower delinquency rates
what is the evidence weaking control theories explanations for family in preventing crime
Family that have mutual rejection and hostility are typically families of delinquents. also conflict between parents causes delinquency.
strict discipline with harsh physical punishments results in delinquency.
What role can family enable conditions that cause deviance/delinquency
bad childhood can result in back relationship building
What role can school enable conditions that cause deviance/delinquency
- Not getting the Qualifications to pursue further occupation
- How it affects the child’s everyday life
What did Hirshi and Gottfredson say about self control and crime
people with low self control are more likely to commit crime and engage in risky activities when given the chance
What are the overlaps/complements between theories of differential association and control theory (textbook)
Differential theory focuses on social learning whereas control theory focuses on social bonds and self-control.
Together they provide a more comprehensive understanding of deviant behaviour.
What did Durkheim emphasize about social bonds
the importance of understanding social bonds for the understanding of deviance
What does attachement in the Social control theory entail
Affective ties with others
-one will not want to commit crime to hurt or embarrass someone they love
What does commitment in the Social control theory entail
the degree to which an individual pursues conventional goals
- deviance takes time and energy
What does involvement in the Social control theory entail
the degree to which an individual is active in conventional activities
- people who are busy don’t have time for deviance
What does belief in the Social control theory entail
having conventional values and the legitimacy of the law
- absence of belief makes deviance more possible
What are some critiques of Control Theories
- can explain street crime but not white collar crime
- cannot explain why people having weak social bonds do not indulge in deviant activities
