Social Control Theories and Juvenile Delinquency

Social Control Theory

Deviance results from absence of social control.

Travis Hirshi

Developed Social Control Theory focusing on juvenile delinquency.

Social Bonds

Connections that reduce likelihood of delinquent behavior.

Attachment

Emotional ties to family, school, and peers.

Commitment

Investment in conventional activities like education.

Idle Hands

Boredom increases likelihood of deviant acts.

Belief in Legitimacy

Trust in laws reduces deviant behavior.

Juvenile Delinquency

Increased criminal behavior among youth, especially unsupervised.

Differential Association

Learning criminal behavior through interaction with others.

Labeling Theory

Being labeled deviant leads to increased deviance.

Secondary Deviance

Continued deviance after being labeled as deviant.

Looking Glass Self

Self-perception influenced by how others perceive us.

Restorative Justice

Focus on accountability and making amends for wrongdoing.

Punitive Practices

Harsh disciplinary measures in juvenile justice systems.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Strict enforcement without consideration of circumstances.

Routine Activities Theory

Crime occurs when opportunity meets motivated offenders.

Facilitating Factors

Conditions that increase likelihood of criminal behavior.

Firearm-Crime Relationship

Access to guns increases likelihood of violent crime.

Criminal Careers

Patterns of behavior in individuals engaged in crime.

Onset of Criminal Behavior

Initial engagement in criminal activities.

Persistence of Criminal Behavior

Continued involvement in crime over time.

Exiting Criminal Career

Transition away from criminal activities to stability.

Delinquent Criminal Careers

Concentration of criminal activity among a few youth.

Suicide Rate vs. Murder Rate

Suicide rates consistently exceed murder rates in the US.