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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A Review of Hirschi's Control Theories: Social Bonds and Low Self-Control, Slides of Criminology
An analysis of hirschi's control theories, specifically focusing on 'pure' control theory and social bond theory. It also discusses the concept of low self-control and its implications for crime. Critiques of hirschi's theories and their empirical support.
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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
- As a “precondition” of informal control
- As an alternative explanation of why “marriage” or “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”