Recent criminological research has found that adolescents in romantic relationships are less likely to commit crime than other adolescents,"perhaps because romantic love discourages offending by strengthening the social bond." (Source: McCarthy and Casey.2008."Love,Sex,and Crime: Adolescent Romantic Relationships and Offending." American Sociological Review 73: 944-969).This finding best supports which of the following theories of crime?
A) labeling
B) interactionist
C) functionalist
D) control
E) conflict

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This finding supports the control theory of crime, which suggests that individuals are less likely to commit criminal acts when they have stronger bonds to conventional society, such as through romantic relationships. The social bond created through romantic love may act as a form of control in preventing adolescents from engaging in criminal activities.

Recent Criminological Research Has Found That Adolescents in Romantic Relationships