Question 1

The assumption of human nature behind control theory is that people are selfish, pleasure seekers and dates back to which social philosopher?

Accepted Answer

The assumption of human nature as being selfish and pleasure-seeking, which underpins control theory, can be traced back to Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes believed that in a state of nature, humans would act solely in their own self-interest, leading to a life that is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," hence the need for a strong central authority to maintain order.

Question 2

What else do control theories assume besides the idea of innate human selfishness?

Accepted Answer

Control theories, particularly in the context of sociology and criminology, assume that societies generally have a consensus over what is considered right and wrong behavior. This consensus is crucial for establishing norms and laws that guide and control behavior, aiming to prevent deviant or criminal actions.

Question 3

What year did Hirschi publish the book containing the definitive social control model in criminology?

Accepted Answer

Travis Hirschi published his seminal work, "Causes of Delinquency," in 1969, which introduced the social control theory in criminology.

Question 4

According to the early control theorist, Nye, which type of control usually "takes the fun out" of giving into criminal temptations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the early control theorist, Nye,...

Question 5

According to the early control theorist, Reckless, which construct is used to model how our self-concept, or conscience, works?

Accepted Answer

Reckless's theory of containment focuses on how individuals resist deviant behavior. The concept of "inner containment" refers to one's self-concept or conscience, acting as a personal control mechanism to resist pressures towards deviance.

Question 6

Which one of the constructs in Reckless' control theory is what strain theory emphasizes?

Accepted Answer

Pushes are emphasized in strain theory, which suggests that societal pressures (or "pushes") can lead individuals to commit crimes.

Question 7

Which early control theorist produced the most complex model?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which early control theorist produced the most...

Question 8

Which of the following best describes Hirschi's conception of the social bond?

Accepted Answer

Hirschi's social bond theory emphasizes the importance of an individual's bond to society in preventing deviant behavior. The stronger the bond (involving elements like attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief), the less likely an individual is to engage in crime or deviance. Connectedness to society, therefore, best describes Hirschi's conception of the social bond.

Question 9

Which component of Hirschi's conception of the social bond might be considered a "social isolation" variable where someone doesn't care what others think?

Accepted Answer

Attachment in Hirschi's social bond theory refers to the emotional and social ties that a person has with others, particularly significant others like family and friends. When someone doesn't care what others think, it indicates a lack of attachment, which can lead to social isolation.

Question 10

Which component of Hirschi's conception of the social bond makes the most use of Toby's concept of stakes in conformity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which component of Hirschi's conception of the...

Question 11

Which component of Hirschi's conception of the social bond can be explained by the phrase "idle hands are the devil's workshop?"

Accepted Answer

Involvement is the component of Hirschi's social bond theory explained by the phrase "idle hands are the devil's workshop," as it suggests that individuals who are actively involved in conventional activities are less likely to engage in deviant behavior due to a lack of free time.

Question 12

Hirschi's social control theory includes all the following components of the social bond EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Endearment is not a component of Hirschi's social control theory. The theory includes commitment, attachment, and involvement as components of the social bond.

Question 13

Which component of Hirschi's conception of the social bond would concern the perception that rules exist for a reason?

Accepted Answer

Belief in Hirschi's social bond theory refers to the acceptance of social norms and the recognition that rules are important and should be followed. This component directly concerns the perception that rules exist for a reason.

Question 14

What has the empirical research testing of Hirschi's social control theory found?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What has the empirical research testing of...

Question 15

Why is Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control theory called a general theory?

Accepted Answer

It is called a general theory because it aims to explain a wide range of criminal and analogous behaviors through the concept of low self-control, rather than focusing on specific types of crime or circumstances.

Question 16

Which trait in Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control theory is most related or deals with the trait of vanity or a lack of consideration for others?

Accepted Answer

Self-centeredness is the trait most related to vanity or a lack of consideration for others, as it directly involves putting one's own needs, desires, or opinions before those of others.

Question 17

Which trait in Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control theory has been the one most seen before in previous criminological theories as an important causal variable?

Accepted Answer

Impulsivity has been a common trait in many criminological theories prior to Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control theory, often linked to criminal behavior due to the tendency to act without considering the consequences.

Question 18

Gottredson and Hirschi identified which segment or mechanism of society as the most important source for acquiring self-control?

Accepted Answer

Gottfredson and Hirschi, in their General Theory of Crime (1990), argue that the level of self-control an individual possesses is primarily a result of parenting and the family environment during the formative years. They emphasize that effective child-rearing practices, where parents monitor their children's behavior, recognize deviant behavior, and punish such behavior, are crucial in developing self-control.

Question 19

What policy implication of low self-control theory would be indicated as having the most far-reaching effects?

Accepted Answer

Early-intervention programs target the developmental stages where self-control is learned, potentially reducing a wide range of deviant behaviors across the lifespan, thus having far-reaching effects.

Question 20

Control theories are different from classical theories in that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Control theories are different from classical theories...

Quiz 8: Control Theories of Crime