Control Theories (3)

Control theories have been somewhat marginal in criminology but possess empirical support and applications in other disciplines like psychology.
There are multiple control theories, and they are controversial among some criminologists.
(Objectives) The lecture aims to explain how control theories address crime and deviance, compare them with Sutherland's differential association theory, and critically examine their potential.
Control theories are sometimes viewed as simplistic and supportive of excessive regulation and punishment, a perception the lecture aims to challenge.

Previous theories suggest criminals/deviants possess unique traits or experiences (e.g., evil presence, genes, disordered community).
Control theories propose deviance arises from the absence of control or restraint.
Travis Hirschi (1969) linked delinquency to a lack of social bonding.

Social bonding prevents most individuals from engaging in crime.
Four components of a person's bond to society:
- Attachment: Bonds to others.
- Commitment: Stake in conformity.
- Involvement: Participation in conventional activities.
- Belief: Acceptance of the law.

Belief: Belief that laws are just and should be followed, even if one questions specific laws.

His niece's book suggests a damaging family environment, which might explain deviant behavior.
Family negativity and inability to express emotions could lead to later struggles.
The book implies that Trump lacked social and business contacts that his father had.

Trump doesn't seem concerned about his reputation.
Examples are given such as improperly grabbing women and mocking a reporter with a disability.

Trump owns businesses, which suggests involvement in conformity, but he has also faced bankruptcies.
Concerns about borrowing from organized crime, pressuring election officials in Georgia, and inciting the Capitol Building riot.

Trump argued that it was intelligent to avoid paying taxes, contrasting with the idea of paying one's fair share, even if disagreeing with the law.

Sutherland (learning theory): Deviance learning is variable; control is constant.
Control theorists: Control is variable; a theory of criminal motivation is unnecessary because everyone wants to deviate.

Learning is constant: Everyone learns that lying is wrong, criminal conduct is inappropriate, and basic norms.
Control varies: Deviance occurs because of a lack of social control.
People know their misconduct is wrong; sanctioning is the solution.
Educational efforts may be a waste of resources.
Example: Mask wearing seminar would be a waste of resources.

Just as learning theory uses surveys and interviews, control theories can measure attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
Researchers pose different questions, which may alter results.

Learning theorists: Criminal clustering is evidence of differential association (transmission of deviant values).
Control theorists: Clustering shows deviants seek out others like them (birds of a feather flock together); others don't want to be around them.
Example: A Hell's Angel and a Catholic nun would not plausibly interact because they have nothing in common.

Distinct from Hirschi's 1969 social control theory.
Draws from psychology.
Aging combined with low self-control best explains crime and deviance.
If parents do not teach self-control effectively, it will remain low throughout life.
The authors believe in permanent personality traits.
Parents teach children self-control from 10 to 12 years old, after which it becomes more difficult.
Age is an important causal variable, but the authors do not specify if it is the same as maturity or physical development.
Certain age groups are more likely to engage in rule violation.

Self-control is considered stable throughout life; people do not change much.
If a child doesn't learn control by age 10-12, they will lack discipline forever.
This is a controversial claim because it may lead a teenager to believe that they are destined for failure.

Crime doesn't require deprivation, influence, gangs, biology, planning, or skill.
Most crimes are mundane, simple, trivial, easy acts.
Criminals and deviants have defective socialization due to poor parenting.
Poor parenting is punitive, inconsistent, negative, and hostile.
Parents must monitor the child's behavior, recognize deviant behavior, and punish it.
Parents may not be aware of their children's activities, recognize deviant behavior, or they might be more interested in being friends with their children, rather than punishing bad behavior.

They don't explain why some become drug dealers/users versus violent offenders.
The theory is not attractive to sociologists for claiming that people cannot change their ways at any point in time.
It offers few ideas to reduce crime and victimization.
Disinterested parents won't seek parenting advice; the only offering is to police.
Selective incapacitation (strict schools, boot camps) is considered inappropriate because mistakes can be made.
The theory is inadequate at explaining why males offend far more often than females.
Gottfredson and Hirschi argue that females may be more socializable.

Control theories have become prominent in criminology over the last five decades.
Hirschi's social control theory focused on bonding with conformists, while self-control theory suggests crimes are impulsive acts.
Inducing positive social change is difficult using many control theories.
Control theories offer a better explanation for deviance and crime.
People are capable of discerning between right and wrong.
Reducing crime involves raising the certainty of getting caught, not teaching people that stealing is wrong.
People knowingly draw upon personal privilege when they deviate.
People mimic poor behavior; therefore, learning theory logic should not be eliminated.