Review of Hirsch (1969)
What is a “pure” control theory?
How is this different from other theories?
What kind of control does the “social bond
theory” emphasize?
Why?
What are the elements of the bond?
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Hirsch's Social Bond Theory and Gottfredson & Hirschi's General Theory of Crime, Slides of Criminology
A General Theory of Crime in define the nature of crimes and criminals, low-self control and policy implication.
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Review of Hirsch (1969)
What is a “pure” control theory?
How is this different from other theories?
What kind of control does the “social bond
theory” emphasize?
Why?
What are the elements of the bond?
Social Support
This is Cullen’s pet theory—his article is in
the end of your book
Social Support Matters
As a “precondition” of informal control
As an alternative explanation of why “marriage” or
“parental attachment” are important
Another “Classic”
Start their theory with a statement of the
“nature of crime”
Compare control vs. other theories (rehash of
stuff we’ve discussed)
Attempt to explain the “stability” of antisocial
behavior
“Heterotypic continuity”
The Nature of Crime and Criminals
Criminal Acts…
Provide immediate gratification of desires
Are risky/thrilling
Are easy/simple Require little skill/planning
Provide few/meager long term benefits
Result in pain/discomfort to a victim
Criminals are therefore…
Impulsive
Risk-taking
Physical (as opposed to mental) Low verbal ability
Short-sighted
Insensitive
Causes of Low Self-Control
We are all born without self-control
Self Control is established in early childhood (age 8)
Causes must be in early childhood
Parents failure to supervise, recognize, punish
Straight from Patterson, but no role for “positive learning”
(positive reinforcement)
“What parent kind of parent would train their kids to be
delinquent?”
Biology? Infants might differ on “impulsiveness or
verbal ability…but all can be socialized
Is this a cop out? ADHD?
Implications of Low Self-
Control
The sole cause of crime and “analogous
behaviors”
All Crime?
“Analogous Behaviors?”
Explains “stability” of criminality
Low self-control is stable over time
What does this mean for Hirschi’s social
bonds?
Empirical Support
Tautology Problems
Only if self control inferred from“behavioral
measures” (e.g., delinquency)
Attitudinal measures
I would rather read a book than engage in physical
activities.
I tend to be value the “here and now” and do not like to
plan my life.
Empirical Support
Moderate to strong relationship
With delinquency, crime, and “analogous behaviors”
(smoking cigs, driving fast)
Among the strongest predictors of crime
Similar strength regardless of who is tested (male/female,
etc)
BUT:
Controlling for low self-control weakens, but doesn’t
eliminate “social” causation
In other words, it appears as though low self-control is not the sole cause of crime
Are white collar offenders different from “street” offenders?
(Some evidence they are)
REIVEW
Central Concepts
Empirical Support?
Scope?
Parsimony?
Criticisms
Why do people desist from criminal activity?
Not the “sole” cause of crime
Bonds still more important? Social learning measures still important
Old wine in a new bottle? (Single Factor?)
Parenting sole cause of self-control?
Traditional Rehabilitation won’t work?
Trait vs. “Cognitive Skill”