Test 4 Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the main purpose of Social Control Theory?
To understand why we DON’T engage in crime
What is the basic definition of social control?
Any person regulating any other person’s behavior
Why does Social Control Theory argue we don’t do crimes?
Social Control
What are some examples of social control?
Flipping someone off, giving a nasty look, parenting, teaching
What does Social Control Theory say are the biggest factors in social control?
Parents
Who else is a factor in Social Control Theory?
Peers, School, and Neighborhood
What is the basic thing Hirschi’s Social control theory says?
We have motivation to engage in crime, but do not because of social bonds
What are Hirschi’s 4 social bonds?
Attachment, Commitment, Involvement, Belief
Define Attachment in Hirschi’s terms
Our social relationships prevent us from engaging in crime because we value their opinions
Define Commitment in Hirschi’s terms
Provides a stake in conformity, things you wouldn’t want to lose
Define Involvement in Hirschi’s terms
Because you are busy doing conventional activities, you do not have the time to engage in crime
Define Belief in Hirschi’s terms
Through socialization, we learn what are good and bad behaviors
What does Hirschi believe to be the cause of crime?
Weak social bonds
What are the 2 things Gottfredson and Hirschi believe to cause crime?
Low self control and oppurtunity
According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, what other traits are linked to having low self-control?
impulsivity, insensitivity, short-sightedness, increased risk taking
Who do Gottfredson and Hirschi believe is responsible for someone’s self-control?
Parents
Explain Opportunity in regards to Gottfredson and Hirschi’s theory
People age 15-20 have more time and more ability to commit crime
Around what age do Gottfredson and Hirschi believe self-control stabilizes?
8-10
List some policy implications for social control theory
Parenting skill programs, reality therapy, after-school programs, religious involvement, prosocial programs
List the 4 components of Agnew’s strain theory
Source of strain, the effects of strain are cumulative, crime is not the only way to cope with strain, and negative emotions are the cause of crime
List the 3 potential sources of strain according to Agnew
Failure to achieve goals, loss of positive stimuli, introducing negative stimuli
What does Agnew mean when he argues that strain is cumulative?
If strains are clustered in time, recent, continuous, and great in magnitude, they will cause more negative emotion than any of these traits individually
What are the 3 adaptations to strain in Agnew’s theory?
Behavioral, Cognitive, and Emotional
What does Agnew claim criminals are low in?
social support, social control, and self-reflection