Unit 4 2.1 Flashcards
What is social control
Control theories aim to explain why people do not commit crime. They suggest that individuals need nurturing to develop strong attachments or bonds, which help form internal controls like a conscience. Crime occurs when these attachments are weak or missing, leading to a lack of self-control and moral guidance.
Internal social control
Internal social control is when individuals regulate their behavior based on accepted norms, personal values, and their sense of right and wrong. It relies on internal beliefs shaped by society and morality, with the conscience guiding what is seen as acceptable behavior.
What does internal control relate too
It relates to frauds theory (physchoanalytical theory) where he argues conscience is formed as a result of ID, EGO AND SUPEREGO.
He claimed they all form a part of our personality
The main ways internal control occurs… rational ideology
Rational ideology is when individuals make decisions based on reason, logic, and their conscience. They consider the emotional and moral consequences of their actions—like guilt or anxiety—which can prevent them from committing crimes. This internal thought process leads them to make law-abiding choices.
Example: Someone may choose not to steal because they understand it harms others and has wider consequences for society.
Clark and Cornish (2006) support this, suggesting that people weigh the risks and benefits, and that crime is often a rational, purposeful choice.
The main ways internal control occurs… tradition
Tradition involves conforming to social norms and rules based on long-standing customs, cultural practices, and upbringing. These traditions teach and reinforce law-abiding behavior. People follow them because it’s how things have always been done, often shaped by religion, culture, or family values.
Examples:
• Not eating red meat on Good Friday due to religious tradition.
• Celebrating national holidays or family customs, even without legal obligation.
The main ways internal control occurs… internalsaiton of social rules and morality
Internalisation of social rules and morality occurs when individuals accept societal norms, values, and rules as their own, knowing what’s right or wrong based on these beliefs. They follow these norms without being told because they’ve developed a personal sense of morality.
Example: Feeling guilty about lying or cheating because it’s personally wrong, not just due to fear of punishment.
External social control
External social control involves pressures from society, laws, or institutions to make individuals conform to rules. It includes persuasion or force to ensure people follow norms and laws. This control is carried out by authorities like police officers, judges, and prison officers who are empowered to enforce conformity.
What does external control relate too
External control relates to Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory, which suggests people are naturally inclined to commit crime but are restrained by strong social bonds. He identified four key elements that encourage law-abiding behavior:
1. Attachment – emotional ties to others (e.g. family, friends)
2. Commitment – investment in goals (e.g. career, education)
3. Involvement – participation in conventional activities
4. Belief – acceptance of social norms and laws
When these bonds are weak, external controls like the police, courts, and probation services become essential to regulate and enforce behavior.
The main ways external control occurs
-coercion
-fear of punishment
The main ways external control occurs… coercion
Coercion involves using force or the threat of force to make someone follow rules or behave in a certain way. It can be physical (like arrest or imprisonment) or non-violent (like threats of job loss or social exclusion). It’s a way to ensure compliance when internal control is not enough.
Example: Being arrested for committing a crime, or being threatened with losing your job if you break company rules.
The main ways external control occurs… fear of punishment
the use of punishment as a threat to stop people from offending is called deterrence. This has 2 key assumptions which are…
1. Individual deterrence
2. General deterrence
Individual deterrence is punishment that’s imposed on offenders in order to deter or prevent them from commitijng further crimes. For example a suspended prison sentence or conditional discharge where there are other more serious consequences for further offending.
General deterrence is the fear of punishment that prevents others from committing similar crimes. For example, a lengthy prison sentence or heavy financial penalty allows others to see the potential consequence and are deterred from committing the same action.
Fear of punishment deters people from breaking rules or laws because they want to avoid negative consequences. Punishments can be formal (like prison, fines, or community service) or informal (like social disapproval or losing a job). The threat of these outcomes helps maintain order and law-abiding behavior.
Example: Someone may choose not to steal because they fear being arrested and sent to prison.
What do control theories explain
Control theories aim to explain why people do not commit crime. They suggest that individuals need nurturing to develop strong attachments or bonds, which help form internal controls like a conscience. Crime occurs when these attachments are weak or missing, leading to a lack of self-control and moral guidance.
What are the control theories- Walter reckless- containment theory 1967
Walter Reckless developed Containment Theory, a type of control theory, to explain why people resist committing crime. He argued that this is due to:
• Inner containment – Influences like upbringing, self-control, and family values.
• Outer containment – Social influences such as peer groups, laws, and societal expectations.
A mix of strong internal and external containment helps individuals stay within social norms. Reckless focused on why people obey the law and believed many resist criminal pressures because of these containment factors.
What are the control theories- Travis hirschi- Social bond theory 1969
Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory suggests people avoid deviant behavior because of the bonds they have to society. Strong social bonds help individuals conform, while weak or broken bonds increase the risk of criminal behavior.
He identified four key bonds that prevent crime:
1. Attachment – Emotional ties to family, friends, and institutions. People care about others’ opinions and don’t want to disappoint them.
2. Commitment – Investment in things like education or a career. Fear of losing what they’ve worked for discourages crime.
3. Involvement – Being busy with positive activities (e.g. work, sports) leaves less time for deviance.
4. Belief – Believing in society’s rules and values makes individuals less likely to offend.
In short: Social bonds act as a form of control—when they’re strong, crime is less likely; when they’re weak, deviance is more likely.
Define coercion
This is the use of force to achieve a desired end
Define deterrence
The action of discouraging an action or an event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
