Social control theories view delinquency as the result of:

Question

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Social control theories propose that delinquency occurs when an individual's bonds to conventional institutions such as family, school, and peers are weakened or broken. This lack of social attachment leaves the individual without a sense of responsibility or investment in the well-being of their community, which can lead to delinquent behavior. Option A is incorrect because physical proximity of the poor and the rich does not necessarily lead to delinquency. Option B is also incorrect because weakened community institutions alone do not lead to delinquency, as shown by the existence of delinquency in strong community institutions as well. Option D is closer to the correct answer but does not hold as much explanatory power as option C. Although the failure to achieve positive goals can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior, social control theories suggest that this failure is often due to weakened social bonds rather than solely due to the lack of success.

Social Control Theories View Delinquency as the Result Of