1 CCJ 1010 – CRIMINOLOGY Chapter 7 Social Control Theory Social Control Theory Social Control Theory focuses on techniques and strategies that regulate human behavior and lead to conformity, or obedience to society’s rules—the influences of family and school, religious beliefs, moral values, friends, and even beliefs regarding government. Social Control Example 20 years ago, there were no legal restrictions, norms, or customs regulating smoking in public places. Today, 27 states + DC have banned smoking in all public places. What relationships in your life have helped keep you on track? Or not so much… Forms of Social Control Laws Norms Customs Mores Ethics Etiquette Theories of Social Control Macrosociological Studies Explore the legal system, particularly law enforcement Powerful groups Social and economic directives of government Microsociological Studies Focus on informal systems Data based on individuals Examines a person’s internal control system Travis Hirschi Social Bonds Attachment: to parents, teachers, peers Commitment: to conventional lines of action Involvement: with activities that promote the interests of society Belief: consists of assent to the society’s value system 3.2.13 2 David Matza (1960s) Delinquency and Drift Techniques of neutralization: 1.Denial of Responsibility 2.Denial of Injury 3.Denial of the Victim 4.Condemnation of the Condemner 5.Appeal to Higher Loyalties Albert J. Reiss Delinquency is the result of (1) a failure to internalize socially accepted and prescribed norms of behavior; (2) a breakdown of internal controls; and (3) a lack of social rules that prescribe behavior in the family, the school, and other important social groups. Jackson Toby “Stakes in Conformity” Believed that all could be tempted into delinquency, but most refused because they considered that they had too much to lose Complementary role of neighborhood and social disorganization Individual’s own stake in conformity In slums, both community and family are powerless to control members’ behavior Toby continued Believed social disorganization theory does not explain why only a few among so many slum youths actually commit crimes Does not explain why one particular individual becomes a hoodlum while another does not Only explains why one neighborhood has a much higher crime rate than another Walter Reckless Containment Theory Containment Theory assumes that for every individual there exists a containing external structure and a protective internal structure, both of which provide defense, protection, or insulation against delinquency. Walter Reckless Outer Containment A role that provides a guide for a person’s activities A set of reasonable limits and responsibilities An opportunity for the individual to achieve status Cohesion among members of a group, including joint activity and togetherness A sense of belongingness (identification with the group) 3.2.13 3 Walter Reckless Outer Containment Continued Identification with one or more persons within the group Provisions for supplying alternative ways and means of satisfaction (when one or more ways are closed) Walter Reckless Inner Containment A good self-concept Self-control A strong ego A well-developed conscience A high frustration tolerance A high sense of responsibility General Theory of Crime Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson Designed to explain an individual’s propensity to commit crime Assumes that the offenders have little control over their own behavior and desires Crime is a function of poor self-control 3.2.13