Week Ten - Control Theory

Question 1

Who is the main individual of this theory?

Answer 1

Travis Hirschi

Question 2

Crime is normal…

Answer 2

Crime is normal; conformity requires explanation

Socialization by parents, teachers, and others

Criminal behavior is a breakdown of this process

Question 3

Travis Hirschi: Why don’t they do it? (1969)

4 social bonds associated with law abiding (p.117 Marsh)

Answer 3

Attachments – social and psychological

Commitment – investments in partners, family, education, property

Involvement – in conventional activities

Beliefs – what one chooses to accept

Question 4

The Criminal ‘as normal’…

Answer 4

Matza: societal definitions of individuals/groups as ‘criminal’

‘Delinquents’ conform and reject societal values just like anyone else

Growing out of crime; acting out delinquent roles, not a permanent way of life – drifting in and out

Question 5

3 stages to process of becoming an offender…

Answer 5

Opposition to mainstream values and desire to be part of a group

Release from conventional forms of social control

When individual has drifted into delinquency

Question 6

Matza’s ‘techniques of neutralization’ have also been applied to business crime

5 Techniques of Neutralization…

Answer 6

The denial of responsibility – I didn’t mean it

The denial of injury – I didn’t hurt anyone

The denial of the victim – they deserved it

The condemnation of the condemners – they’re just as bad

The appeal to higher loyalties – I was doing it for my mates