Social Control Theory Flashcards
What are background assumptions of control theory?
Humans are hedonistic; human desires must be regulated by societal norms
What is the main question behind control theory?
Why do people choose not to commit crime?
What is Control theory’s answer to why people choose not to commit crime?
Sufficient social controls lead to conformity (not committing crime)
What are the three types of social control?
Indirect, direct, internal
What is indirect control?
Something valuable that a person does not want to lose
What is a direct social control?
Control from direct authority
What is internal control?
Personal control over one’s impulses
What is the difference between formal and informal social control?
Formal control is established institutions, like the CJS, and informal control is unwritten regulations, like parents rules
Under control theory, what is a failure of social control?
Relative absence of internalized norms, a breakdown in previously established controls, relative absence of social rules or techniques
What are stakes in conformity?
What people can lose
What type of person has a lower stake in conformity?
Low socioeconomic boys
How did Brian and Piliavin adjust stakes in conformity theory?
Not just stake in conformity, but the individual’s commitment to stakes in conformity
What are the aspects of containment theory?
Inner containment, outer containment
What is inner containment?
The individual’s self-concept; self-image
What is outer containment?
Direct control by others through supervision or discipline
What will pushes and pulls result in according to containment theory?
Result in delinquency unless counteracted by containments
What are the 5 techniques of neutralization?
Denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of victim, condemning the condemners, appeal to higher loyalties
What is the idea behind drift and crime?
People have loosened controls and will drift between opportunities of crime (fluid)
What are the four aspects of Hirschi’s social control (bond) theory?
Attachment, commitment, involvement, belief
What does attachment mean in social bond theory?
Connection/relationship with parents or peers; sensitivity to the opinions of others
What does commitment mean in social bond theory?
Stakes in conformity; rational investment in conventional behavior
What does involvement mean in social bond theory?
Participation in conventional activities
What does belief mean in social bond theory?
Strength of commitment to conventional values of society
Which aspect of social bond theory did not have support?
Belief
What are some criticisms of social bond theory?
Peer relationship is underestimated; not all elements of the bond are equal; does not account for changing bonds
