The life course theory and the social control theory are presumed to be two different descriptive concepts for how criminal behavior develops. Travis Hirschi developed a criminology theory known as the Social Control Theory. According to the social control theory, anyone with the desire and the capability to engage in a crime can do so. This theory points out that individuals are demoralized from engaging in crimes because of the financial, legitimate, and interpersonal costs associated with criminal activity. It poses the question of why individuals adhere to the law and outlines the social factors that motivate compliance.
On the contrary, theorists of the life course theory proposed by Sampson and Laub consider that parental care rather than surroundings influence human behavior. It aims to clarify the causes of criminal behavior. This paper explains social control theory and life course theory.
The Development of Social Control Theory
Travis Hirschi created a theory called social control theory. He claimed that the existence or absence of social controls over them significantly influenced a person’s decision to commit a crime. Individuals who engage in crimes do so since they do not feel obligated to follow the laws of a societal structure to which they do not belong or have ties (Costello & Laub, 2020). The social bond theory is another name for the social control theory. The social bond comprises four components: attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief, which Hirschi claimed are interconnected but critically distinct.
Attachment entails personal development depends on relationships between people and their environment. People will not behave in unfavorable manners if these connections are sufficiently solid (Wickert, 2022). They will not desire to let their mates, instructors, family members, or work colleagues down or put them at risk. They intend to strengthen rather than harm their community. In contrast, the lack of attachment to other people ensures that criminality will not disappoint anyone. In commitment, Hirschi argued that individuals’ obligations influence their behavior. If individuals have responsibilities to families, workers, or other community members, they are unlikely to do something that will inhibit these obligations from being met. Deviance, particularly criminality, can result in penalties that make it difficult for them to fulfill their responsibilities (Wickert, 2022). This, in essence, has the potential to devastate personal relations. People will have no justification not to participate in criminal activities if obligations to other individuals do not exist since obstacles to liberty or other punitive measures will not impact any obligations.
Subsequently, in involvement in society, People who have a strong interest in the activities happening in that society are unlikely to want to damage society or oppose its doctrines. The absence of social interactions and participation can make time available for criminal activity—lastly, belief in social and cultural norms (Wickert, 2022). If a person firmly trusts in the regulations that have been formed by society, they will not behave in violation of them. They do not obligate individuals who do not accept teachings. Therefore, they may act out on purpose and in the general populace to show their dissatisfaction.
Comparison between the social control theory by Hirschi versus the life course theory by Sampson & Laub
In both social control theory and life course theory, it is an emotional attachment that results in resistance to delinquent behavior. Sampson and Laub find that grown-up extensions or social ties boost some people’s social capital and discourage most delinquent behavior (Wickert, 2022). According to the social control theory by Hirschi, self-control is created through parental support in a child, constant observation of the children’s actions, the ability to spot deviation when it happens, and the imposition of consequences.
The life course theory of Sampson and Laub believes that social occurrences may affect some people. In contrast, others proceed to offend, and there is a causal connection between children’s deviant behavior and later grown-up deviant behavior (Wickert, 2022). On the other hand, Hirschi’s theory of social bonds is predicated on the core principle that people have a propensity for crime. Hirschi postulates that individuals will be more inclined to act in adherence to norms the firmer the level of social control, and the heavier the social ties are.
Lastly, Sampson and Laub site monitoring, consistent discipline, and attachment to the relatives as three aspects of informal social control in the family setting (Wickert, 2022). On the other hand, Hirschi identifies four key elements in social interaction. They include involvement in society, attachment, commitment, and a belief in the integrity of community virtues and beliefs.
In conclusion, control theorists have doubted the relationship between someone’s delinquent behavior and that of another’s friends. According to control theory, poor societal bonds result in connection with offenders and deviant behavior. Both attachment and delinquent behavior are prompted by the offender’s denial by the community. Nevertheless, this is a constrained assumption. The above significant link between delinquent behavior and friendship was seen as proof against social control theory by social learning sociologists.
References
Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2020). Social control theory: The legacy of Travis Hirschi’s causes of delinquency. Annual Review of Criminology, 3, 21-41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-011419-041527
Wickert, C. (2022). How social bonds affect deviance – social bonds theory (Hirschi). SozTheo. Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://soztheo.de/theories-of-crime/control/social-bonds-theory-hirschi/?lang=en
Wickert, C. (2022, April 13). Age graded theory/ turning points (Sampson and Laub). SozTheo. Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://soztheo.de/theories-of-crime/career-development-life-course/age-graded-theory-turning-points-sampson-and-laub/?lang=en
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