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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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2012/2013

Uploaded on 01/27/2013

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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?
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Download A Review of Hirschi's Control Theories: Social Bonds and Low Self-Control and more Slides Criminology in PDF only on Docsity!

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”