Hirschi: S Strain Theory And Durkheim's Anomie Theory

Control Theory
Control theory was developed by Hirschi after examination of Merton’s Strain Theory and Durkheim 's Anomie Theory. It explains conformity through social bonds, which are attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief ( Zembroski, 2011). Attachment relates to family, schools, and peers. In poor disadvantaged neighborhoods, some parents have to deal with a lot of stress factors that causes their parenting to be very low in warmth. This causes the bond between parents to diminish, therefore their discipline and values are poor (Hoffmann, 2002). Same goes with schools and peers. In a poor neighborhood there is not enough financial support to have adequate schools, teachers, and activities. When school is inadequate then delinquency

al, 2015; Hoffman, 2003). It suggests that interaction with others teaches individuals certain values and attitudes. Youth may encounter those that engage in problem behaviors, thus they have a greater risk to become involved in that same behavior because they have learned the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behaviors (Monahan, Rhew, Hawkins, & et. al, 2013). Peer groups are suppose to regulate peer group activity when there is a lack of community institutions. However, these peer groups could be quite negative to the individual. Like the theory states, those peers that involve themselves in criminal behavior will most likely cause the individual to follow in their footsteps. These types of peer groups are said to be found in high risk neighborhoods because there is a lack of surveillance and discipline due to financial instability. And peer groups tend to pressure other to join in on their delinquent behavior. No one wants to be the person left behind or made fun of for not being “man” enough to join them. So, unfortunately, individuals are forced into the situation that their peers involve themselves in, whether that be gang banging, selling drugs, or robbing a