Overview
This lecture explains Travis Hirschi's control theory of crime and deviance, focusing on why people conform to societal norms instead of committing crimes.
Hirschi’s Approach to Crime and Deviance
- Hirschi's theory differs from traditional functionalist views by focusing on why people do not commit crime.
- He believes social control and order are maintained through socialization and strong attachments to society.
- The negative impacts of crime and integration into society act as deterrents to deviant behavior.
The Four Social Bonds
- Hirschi identifies four bonds influencing conformity: attachment, belief, commitment, and involvement.
Attachment
- Attachment refers to emotional and social ties to people and activities such as family, education, work, and community.
- Fear of losing valued attachments and future opportunities discourages criminal acts.
Belief
- Belief is an individual's agreement with society’s norms, values, and moral codes.
- Strong belief in societal values, often reinforced by socialization or religion, reduces likelihood of deviance.
Commitment
- Commitment involves investment in conventional community activities and relationships.
- Concern for social stigma and desire to protect personal reputation prevent criminal behavior.
- Marginalized individuals with fewer commitments are more likely to engage in deviance.
Involvement
- Involvement references participation in community activities, limiting time and opportunity for crime.
- Active engagement provides alternative means for status and personal fulfillment.
Why Crime Still Occurs
- Crime occurs when these social bonds are weak or absent.
- Lack of social bonds alone is insufficient; opportunities for crime and lack of integration also play roles.
- Anyone can commit crime under certain circumstances, not just specific social groups.
Criticisms of Hirschi’s Theory
- Hirschi's theory does not explain the causes or specific nature of crimes.
- Assumes social bonds carry equal importance for all individuals, ignoring those who are not criminal but remain unintegrated.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Attachment — Emotional bonds to people and activities that discourage deviance.
- Belief — Acceptance of society’s norms and values, promoting conformity.
- Commitment — Investment in relationships and community, deterring crime.
- Involvement — Participation in conventional activities, reducing time for deviance.
- Socialization — The process by which individuals learn societal norms and values.
- Deviance — Behavior that goes against social norms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the definitions and examples of Hirschi’s four social bonds.
- Prepare to compare Hirschi's theory with other functionalist theories in upcoming lessons.