Social Control Theory

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, theorists, and theories related to Social Control Theory, as presented in the lecture.

Social Control Theory

Focuses on techniques and strategies that regulate human behavior and lead to conformity or obedience to society's rules.

E. A. Ross

One of the founders of American sociology, who introduced the concept of social control in the early 1900s.

Macrosociological Studies

Explores the legal system and powerful groups, focusing on social and economic directives of government.

Microsociological Studies

Focus on informal systems and examines a person's internal control system.

Travis Hirschi's Social Bonds

Includes attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in society's value system.

Denial of Responsibility

A technique used by adolescents to justify delinquent acts, claiming they are not accountable.

Denial of Injury

A defense mechanism where the youth claims that their actions did not cause harm.

Inner Containment

Personal control ensured by characteristics like self-concept, self-control, and conscience.

Outer Containment

A structural buffer that provides reasonable limits, guidance, and opportunities for individuals.

Containment Theory

Assumes that both internal and external structures protect against delinquency.

Delinquency and Drift

A state where youth exist between conventional and criminal behavior without commitment.

Techniques of Neutralization

Defense mechanisms that release youth from moral constraints.

Developmental Crime Theories

Explain the onset, continuance, escalation, de-escalation, and desistance of offending.

General Theory of Crime

Proposed by Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson, explaining crime as a function of poor self-control.