Travis Hirschi: Control Theory

Deviance, Crime, and Social Control SOCI 1306 Travis Hirschi: Control Theory Travis Hirschi's 1969 development of control theory provides a convincing framework for comprehending the connection between social relationships and deviance. According to this hypothesis, people's willingness to comply to social standards is directly influenced by how strong their social relationships are. Hirschi contends that a sense of alienation from society is the root cause of deviance, implying that those who feel accepted and a part of their community are less prone to commit crimes. Hirschi distinguished four categories of social ties—attachment, commitment, engagement, and belief—that are essential in tying people to society. Each of these ties contributes to the understanding of why people follow social norms and how the loss or deterioration of these ties might result in abnormal behaviour. Attachment gauges our relationships with other people. It highlights the social and emotional bonds that unite individuals. People who have strong emotional ties to their love relationships, family, and friends worry more about what these important people think and say. People want to preserve approval and avoid criticism, which serves as a deterrent against aberrant behaviour. Teens who cherish their parents' approval and have a close bond with them, for instance, are less inclined to participate in behaviours that would let them down, such drug use or vandalism. In a similar vein, someone who has strong bonds with their friends and neighbours is more inclined to follow social standards in order to maintain these favourable ties. Conformity and devotion to social norms are encouraged by the desire to preserve these relationships and prevent the unfavourable effects of deviant behaviour. The stakes people have in adhering to social standards and making investments in their society are referred to as commitments. Individuals who have made large financial and personal commitments have more to lose when they act in a deviant manner. There is a lot at risk for a well-liked local businessman who has developed a thriving profession, volunteers at their synagogue, and participates in neighbourhood block organisations. Their reputation, profession, and social position would all be in danger if they committed a crime. On the other hand, someone without a steady job or connections to the society could feel less danger when they engage in criminal activity since they have less financial and social assets to safeguard. Adherence to established social standards is strengthened by the dedication to upholding one's standing and avoiding the unfavourable effects of deviation. Participation in socially acceptable activities at a high level is also essential for lowering the risk of deviant behaviour. The degree to which people engage in traditional activities that take up their time and energy is referred to as involvement. People are less likely to participate in deviant behaviour when they are actively involved in constructive, organised activities. For example, a youngster engaged in art courses, little league baseball, and many school organisations is always occupied with positive activities that foster social integration. In addition to keeping the kids busy, these activities offer them a feeling of direction and community. Participating in activities that are accepted by society promotes beneficial connections, skill development, and recognition—all of which lessen the risk that someone would engage in deviant behaviour. People have fewer opportunity to engage in behaviours that defy social norms the more time and energy they devote to acceptable pursuits. Belief, the last link, is agreement with and acceptance of society norms and ideals. People are more inclined to adhere to these beliefs when they internalise them and see them as valid and significant. An environmentalist who firmly feels that a clean and healthy environment is important, for instance, is more likely to take part in actions that uphold this belief, like cleaning up rubbish in a park. As a result of internalising society values, people become more committed to upholding them personally, which lowers the possibility of acting in a way that is inconsistent with their convictions. People are more inclined to act in ways that uphold the values of their community when they share these values, which fosters social cohesiveness and lowers deviance. According to control theory, social ties are crucial for encouraging conformity and discouraging abnormal behaviour. The degree to which people conform to social standards is largely determined by the strength of these bonds—attachment to others, dedication to traditional activities, participation in socially acceptable endeavours, and belief in society ideals. People who have deep ties with one another are more likely to follow social norms and less likely to act in ways that are not appropriate. On the other hand, the probability of aberrant behaviour rises in situations when these relationships are weak or nonexistent. Hirschi's theory sheds light on the social dynamics that shape behaviour and emphasises how crucial it is to build solid social ties in order to advance societal cohesion and order. Control theory may be used more broadly to explain a range of social phenomena and direct programmes meant to lessen deviation. Community initiatives that, for instance, enhance family relationships, offer chances for constructive engagement, and advance common values can contribute to the development of more solid social bonds and lower rates of criminal activity. In order to foster situations where people feel connected, appreciated, and invested in their communities, schools and community organisations are essential. Society can improve social control and lower the incidence of aberrant behaviour by promoting strong social ties. Control theory, which emphasises the critical role that social ties play in upholding social order and discouraging deviance, therefore provides a thorough framework for comprehending the interaction between human behaviour and social institutions.