Social control theory tries to find and identify features of personality and the environment that keep people from committing crimes. Social control feels the underlying view of human nature includes the idea of free will which gives offenders the freedom of choice, and responsibility for their behavior (Kempf-Leonard & Morris, 2017). Even those who do choose to commit crimes are likely to share the general idea that the rules they broke should be followed (Kempf-Leonard & Morris, 2017). Social control theory feels that crime and deviance are predictable behaviors that society has not curtailed particularly the process where people are socialized to obey the laws and rules of society (Kempf-Leonard & Morris,
(History) Social Control theory can be used as a reliable and valid psychosocial explanation of school violence, specifically in explaining the actions of the Columbine school shooters. Kempf-Leonard and Morris described control theory in their journal in a way that provides an explanation for how behavior conforms to that which is generally expected in society. Some control theories emphasize the developmental processes during childhood by which internal constraints develop. Social control theories, however, focus primarily on external factors and the processes by which they become effective. Deviance and crime occur because of inadequate constraints.
8.Criminological theories 8.1.Social Control Theory In 1969 Hirschi developed a theory which could possibly explain why individuals who abide by the rules and values of society as well as maintain a connection with aspects such as family and school are less likely to engage in deviant activities (Walklate, 2011:85). According to Walklate (2011:85) the theory of social control includes four elements which could either strengthen or weaken social relationships which could lead to the causation or prevention deviant behaviour. Hirschi (2011:16-26) states that these elements include attachment, commitment, involvement as well as belief. Attachment refers to the interpersonal relationships as well as cultural and social norms of an individual.
Social process theory has several subdivisions including: social control theory, social learning theory and social reaction (labeling) theory (will only focus on social control theory). Social control theory insinuates every person has the possibility of becoming a criminal, but most people are influenced by their bonds to society. It contends that individuals obey the law and are less likely to commit crime if they have: learned self-control, attachment (to family, friends, peers, education, etc. ), commitment (to school, learning, etc. ), involvement (in leisure activities, sports, etc.
Social Control Theory It is evident the social control theory is strongly emphasized in the film End of Watch after reading chapter 6 Social Process and Social Development in the textbook, Criminology 2nd ed. by Frank Schmalleger. There are three bonds that are expressed in the movie, End of Watch. The bonds are between the two main characters, Brian Taylor and Miguel Zavala, the Los Angeles Police Department, and Miguel and Bloods gang member, Tre. In this essay, I plan to demonstrate a working knowledge of the social control theory and how it relates to the main characters of the movie.
Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) acknowledged within their self-control theory that the opportunities for crime are readily accessible and crime is typically not difficult to perform. Yet, Gottfredson and Hirshi focused on the lack of self-control as the cause of crime rather than the opportunities for crime. Cohen and Felson (1979) in describing the routine activity theory, later stated that motivated offenders must find suitable targets that lack guardians in order for crime to occur. Situational crime prevention strategies were the first to focus on specific crimes, the environment and the reduction of crime opportunities. The situational crime prevention theory originated in the Home Office Research Unit of the British Government in the 1970’s (Clarke, 2018).
Social bond theory was described in the textbook as,”Hirschi argued that through successful socialization a bond forms between individuals and the social group. When that bond is weakened or broken, deviance and crime may result” (127). In the film Bowling for Columbine it described Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold as socially outcasts from the school. Connecting back to social bond theory Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold did not have bonds within the school as they were not in social norms and acted against it. In the textbook it further states, “We not only assume the deviant has believed the rules, we assume he believes the rules even as he violates them” (127).
It can have positive or negative effects on one 's development and behavior, especially in children. This is demonstrated in the social learning theory. One of the most analyzed theories in criminology today is the social learning theory. The social learning theory derives from the differential association theory by Dr. Edward Sutherland. The social learning theory of criminology says that individuals learn from the community around them.
Social process theory has several subdivisions including: social control theory, social learning theory and social reaction (labeling) theory (will only focus on social control theory). Social control theory insinuates every person has the possibility of becoming a criminal, but most people are influenced by their bonds to society. It contends that individuals obey the law and are less likely to commit crime if they have: learned self-control, attachment (to family, friends, peers, education, etc. ), commitment (to school, learning, etc. ), involvement (in leisure activities, sports, etc.
Social Cognitive Theory expands the range of treatment targets beyond patriarchal socialization to include additional factors associated with sexual coercion in empirical research including the influence of social norms, and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities and skills (Wolfe et al., 2012;Eckhardt et al., 2013). Such theories include the Health Belief Model, Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Transtheoretical Model. While many of these theories are similar but may use different terminology, the key elements of each include education and skill building and perceived behavioural control self-efficacy (Noar & Zimmerman, 2005). Interventions based on Social Cognitive Theory aim to reduce