Social Control Theory

1. Social Control Theory

The main question criminologists have been exploring so far is “Why do certain people engage in criminal activity?” Criminologist Travis Hirschi (1969) says that the question we should be asking is “Why don’t people engage in criminal behavior in the first place?” He suggests that everyone in society has the potential to violate the law and that there are many opportunities to do so. However, he examines the reasons why most people do not go down the wrong path.

He argues that human beings are like animals in that we sometimes fight and steal, while at other times, we are pleasant and cooperative. Aggression and impulsivity do not require an explanation, as these traits are simply a part of our nature. What requires an explanation is why people do not engage in more of this type of behavior, as it is the easiest way to satisfy our desires. The answer proposed by social control theory is that this behavior is controlled and regulated by our social bonds, or connections to society. When someone’s bonds are strong and well developed, they are discouraged from engaging in criminal behavior. On the other hand, if these bonds are weak or lacking, people may be more prone to deviate from societal norms and engage in criminal activities.

According to social control theory, a person’s behavior is controlled by four types of bonds:

• Attachment
• Commitment
• Involvement
• Belief

terms to know

Social Control Theory

A theory proposing that people’s relationships, commitments, values, norms, and beliefs encourage them not to break the law.

Social Bonds

The connections to society, including attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

2. Types of Social Bonds

The first type of bond is attachment, which refers to the emotional ties that a person has with other people, particularly with their parents. This bond is associated with how much time children spend with their parents, how closely they identify with them, and whether they feel as though their parents care for their well-being.

did you know

Attachment can also be to other relatives, teachers, or friends, but parents are the most pivotal people in a child’s life.

The stronger the attachment to these individuals or institutions, the less likely the person is to engage in criminal activities. Moreover, the weaker the attachment, the more likely someone is to engage in crime.

The next type of bond is commitment, which refers to the time and energy that a person spends in the pursuit of goals, such as getting an education, building a career, or other personal goals (e.g., running a marathon). Individuals who are deeply committed to these elements are less likely to engage in deviant behavior, because they have more to lose. The potential consequences of deviance, such as damaging one’s reputation, losing one’s social standing, or jeopardizing future goals, act as deterrents when a person is committed to conventional norms. You can probably relate to this type of bond.

EXAMPLE

You are taking classes to pursue a degree and may even be working in addition to your coursework. You have put so much effort into reaching your goals that you would have a lot to lose if you engaged in criminal activity.

Another type of bond is involvement, or the degree to which a person is active in conventional activities. Involvement can include going to school, working, playing a sport, or being an active member of the community (e.g., being involved in a church group or being a member of a club). By being actively involved in positive pursuits, individuals have less time and opportunity to engage in criminal behavior. Thus, by being involved in conventional activities, people are less apt to get into trouble.

hint

You may have heard the saying “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” This proverb sums up the importance of involvement according to social control theory. That is, people who are unoccupied become bored and often find ways to get themselves in trouble.

Lastly, belief refers to the acceptance of a common value system shared by people in each society. This is not the same as religious beliefs, though religion may play a role. Rather, it is the belief in the validity of the laws and norms of their society, such as honesty or morality. When people believe in the moral validity of societal rules, they are less likely to violate those rules. Thus, strong beliefs act as an internalized control mechanism against deviance, because people do not want to violate society’s norms.

You can see that social control theory is a little different from the theories we have discussed so far in this course. It looks at reasons why people do not commit crimes rather than why people do commit crimes. Essentially, strong social bonds act as a protective factor against criminal behavior by fostering emotional connections, commitment to conventional activities, active involvement in positive pursuits, and a belief in societal values. On the other hand, if someone has weak bonds, they will be more apt to engage in criminal activity. This perspective helps us understand the mechanisms that contribute to or deter individuals from engaging in deviance.

terms to know

Attachment

The emotional ties that a person has with other people, particularly with their parents.

Commitment

The time and energy that a person spends in the pursuit of their goals.

Involvement

The degree to which a person is active in conventional activities.

Belief

The acceptance of a common value system shared by people in each society.

REFERENCES

Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.