Social control theory

Overview

Rather than asking why people offend, Hirschi (1969) asked why most don’t. His four bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) later proposed low self-control as a general cause of crime. Compare differential association, labelling theory and anomie.

Frequently asked questions

Same as social bond theory?

Usually, for Hirschi’s version.

References

1. Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
2. Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
3. Reiss, A. J. (1951). Delinquency as the failure of personal and social controls. American Sociological Review, 16(2), 196–207.