Hirschi's Control Theory

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School

Eastern Gateway Community College *

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Course

203

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Arts Humanities

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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4

Uploaded by BaronWorld8863

1 Hirschi’s Control Theory Corina Kaplan Eastern Gateway Community College COR203: Criminology Prof. Corrin January 28 th , 2024
2 Hirschi’s Control Theory At its most simple form a control theory in general is a theory that assumes people act in specific ways that will allow them to reap a benefit. A control theory of crime in more specific terms goes to assume that if a person feels that they have free will to commit a crime, they are more likely to do said actions. Individuals with more levels of control may be more unlikely to commit a crime as the personal and social benefits may not be in their interest. On the flip side, an individual with lower levels of control may be likely to commit a crime as the personal and social costs are low relative to the perceived benefits. Control theories differ from each other mostly based on where the researchers believe the control is sources from. Travis Hirschi believes that individuals with low self-control will produce behavioral choices without considering the long-term effects (Piquero, 2016). By the conclusion of this writing the reader should have a clear understanding of Hirschi’s control theory and the four key elements he says make up the social bond in an individual. Travis Hirschi investigated different crime theories to devise what is knows as his control theory model which purposes a link between social bonds and delinquency. Social bonds to Hirschi include the following four elements: attachment to conventional others; commitment to conventional goods; involvement in conventional activities; and beliefs consistent with society’s norms and values (Piquero, 2016). According to Open Oregon Educational Resources, attachment refers to the connection an individual has with other people. Caring about another person’s opinion, expectations, and support deeply influences an individual’s social bond. Commitment can be seen through the way an individual commits their time, energy, and money into behaviors such as clubs, sports, careers, hobbies, and educational interests. An individual only has so much time, energy, and money to spend on these activities so their involvement in these activities proves to be an important factor in the social bond. If one involves themselves in socially accepted activities, they have little time to commit crimes. Belief may
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