SOC 225 Criminology: Structural Functionalism & Social Control Theories

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to social control theory, family influence, schooling effects, and self-control theory in criminology.

Social Control Theory

Focuses on why people do not deviate rather than why they do.

Hirschi's Social Bond

Four characteristics (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) that constrain behavior.

Attachment

Affective ties that discourage individuals from hurting or embarrassing loved ones.

Commitment

The pursuit of conventional goals that people seek to achieve.

Involvement

Participation in conventional activities that limits time for delinquent behavior.

Belief

Acceptance of conventional values, morality, and the legitimacy of the law.

Familial Relationships

The primary source of attachment that influences delinquent behavior.

Parenting Supervision

Adequate parental supervision correlates with lower rates of delinquency.

Role Model Effect

Parental ties deter delinquency, despite parent's own criminality.

Schooling and Delinquency

Failure in school strongly correlates with increased delinquency.

Religiosity and Crime

Religious involvement is linked to reduced delinquent behavior in communities where religion is significant.

Risk Factors for Delinquency

Includes family adversity, compromised academic achievement, and poor peer relationships.

General Theory of Crime

Shift in focus from child's attachment to parent’s attachment to child, emphasizing effective parenting.

Low Self-Control Traits

Self-centered, impulsive, risk-seeking behaviors often developed by age 7.