Social Bond Theory

Who created the Social Bond Theory?

• Travis Hirschi

What is the Social Bond Theory?

• Believed that all humans suffer from weaknesses which make them potential unable to resist temptation and turn to crime.

• People are less likely to commit crime when they have strong bonds to society.

• If these bonds are weak or broken, crime becomes more likely.

What are the four social bonds?

• Attachment

• Commitment

• Involvement

• Belief

What is meant by the attachment social bond?

• They are the emotional ties to family, friends, and significant others.

• Strong attachments encourage conformity and care about others opinions so will lead to less crime.

What is meant by the commitment social bond?

• They are investments in goals such as education, career and family.

• The more they have to lose the less likely they are to risk committing crimes.

What is meant by the involvement social bond?

• The participation in activities that occupy time and energy such as sport, work or hobbies.

• The less time you have the more off an opportunity you have to committing crimes.

What is meant by the belief social bond?

• The acceptance of societal norms, values and laws

• The stronger moral beliefs and respect will discourage deviance and crime.