Social Control Theory: The Social Bond Theory

Abstract

Control theory, originally known as the social bond theory by Travis Hirschi (1969), focused on an individual’s bond to society and delinquency a result of weak or broken bonds. A later adaption of the theory, by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), resulted in a distinctly different theory, self-control theory. Self-control theory attributes delinquency to an individual’s lack of self-control which allows a person to pursue short-term and immediate pleasure. Self-control is said to develop through effective and adequate child rearing and will be examined within this paper. Sykes and Matza (1957) used the social control theory paradigm and developed techniques of neutralization which essentially described a person’s justification for

The four essential elements of the social bond that connect people to society are: attachment, commitment, involvement, and beliefs (Hirschi, 1969). The foundation of control theory assumes the members of society believe in a set of shared norms. Social control theory believes a person’s decision to commit criminal acts is rationally determined after determining the risks involved in committing the act (Hirschi, 1969). In control theory, society’s insurance people will be law abiding lies in the belief people will not engage in deviant behavior because it [deviant behavior] endangers a person’s acquired goods, reputation, and prospects that a person does not want to risk losing (Hirschi,

For the purposes of control theory, commitment can also be labeled conformity (Hirschi, 1969). Prior to committing a deviant act a person considers their previous investment into their conventional behavior, i.e. conformity, and the consequences. A person considers the indirect and direct consequences to their deviant behavior. According to control theory a person creates commitments to conventional activities in society by investing their time, energy, and themselves; deviant behavior can cause a person to lose their investment thus creating fear of the consequences not to conform (Hirschi, 1969). Ambition and aspiration are also important to creating conformity as described by Hirschi (1969) when he states, “one is committed to conformity not only by what one has but also by what one hopes to obtain” (pg. 21).

A person’s involvement in conventional activities does not allow for opportunities to engage in deviant behavior. Deviant acts are not present when people are involved in conventional activities because they are tied to the activities through appointments, deadlines, working hours, and plans (Hirschi, 1969). In the case of juveniles and delinquency, Hirschi (1969) believed the major difference between juveniles, who engaged in delinquent acts, were not provided conventional types of opportunities that would satisfy their recreational