Control Theory

Question 1

control theory

Answer 1

hirschi

why most people do not commit crime

Question 2

control theory - social bonds

Answer 2

• commitment; have stake in conformity, don’t want to risk it to crime so pull away from crime, towards conformity
• attachment; sensitive to other needs & wishes
• belief - share moral beliefs
• involvement - no time/opportunity for crime

Question 3

control theory - criticisms

Answer 3

• merton; delinquents not broken away but committed to mainstream values
• not everyone with weaker bonds turns to crime
• doesn’t explain the reasons for the variety of acts
• some people with strong bonds turn to crime (white-collar)