Gary Ridgway Social Control Theory

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Theories There are many theories that in all different contexts when it comes to crimes. From categories like sociological or psychological or even biological. Below are the theories that I chose for the crimes committed by Gary Leon Ridgeway.
The Control Theories doesn’t focus on why people commit these crimes but why these theories look at the personal, social and or moral controls that a person had that prevents them from committing a crime. A connection to school is an essential component of Control theories. Allows students to have social connection if they are not able to make one outside of school. Ridgway was a poor student with an IQ of 82. He was also dyslexic. His class mates described him as well liked. Even though he was well liked, …show more content…

According to reports, Gary’s mother was arrogant and assertive. He had a love hate relationship with his mother described her as domineering and abusive. Neither of these would cultivate a strong family relationship, making this an indicator of deviant behavior. Ridgeway was also married three times. Each of his marriages ended the same way, both partners were unfaithful and had extramarital relationship. Continual cheating on his wives and his wives affairs shows Ridgeways lack of self-control and commitment issues. Lack of respect for women and lack of sexual self-control contributed to his targets being mostly prostitutes.
Social Disorganized Theory pertains to one’s environment inflicting their criminal behavior. The theory states that one’s living conditions and environmental factors bring up the contributing factors to their criminal behavior. Ridgeway lived in a deprived neighborhood. Ridgeways poor childhood and home life is a contributing factor, he reportedly witnessed many violent arguments between his parents. Growing up in a hostile environment as a child is likely to contribute to his criminal

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