Self Control Theory: General Theory Of Crime

Self-control theory also known as General theory of crime is a criminological theory about how an individual lacks self-control. Lacking self-control is the main factor behind deviant behavior. Self-control theory places much of its weight on parents’ ability to properly raise their children. It suggests that individuals who were not parented properly before the age of ten develop less self-control than those of roughly the same age who were raised with improved parenting. As simple as this sounds, it isn’t entirely true as others play a vital role in the process of proper or improper socialization (Muraven, Pogarsky, & Shmueli, 2006). Children with behavioral problems will tend to grow into juvenile delinquents and eventually into adult offenders …show more content…
According to (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990) the key propositions of low self-control theory are; 1) Low self-control is the primary source of deviance. In several cases the level of self-control becomes fully developed around the tender age of 8 years old. This is still very young and once the level becomes stable at this age it is unchangeable. It will forever be lower than their peers that set their level higher as a child. There may be many factors that can affect our level of self-control when we are children, but the main thing that can/will have the greatest affect is our parents. The second key proposition in developing self-control in children is parental practice. 2) Parental practice is a key source of the level of self-control. This proposition explains what they believe are effective parental practices concerning the multiple times in a child’s day that a parent can monitor the behavior of their children. One of the first methods of monitoring a child is recognizing a child’s deviant behavior in the current situation. It is most effective to punish the deviant behavior directly after is occurs. When it comes to monitoring a child’s behavior, you need to be “present” when you are with your children and not watching television or staying on your phone. You should also be aware of what your child is doing at school by maintaining constant communication with the …show more content…
While is appears to be easily implemented and understood, the overwhelming issues with this theory have to be addressed. One issue with this theory is that low self-control is the ONLY primary source of deviancy. Deviancy is rampant at all ages and in varying degrees. Deviant behaviors simply cannot all be the result of the lack of self-control. The second issue is that parenting is the primary source of development of self-control. It is impossible to standardize the level of care and the method in which to deliver the care by parents to their children. Children are very different and have many different needs. Children are not a one size fits all behavioral template. Each child needs specialized care from the people that know them best or the people that are choosing to care for them. In addition, society also has an impact on the development of self-control dependent on many cultural facets. Another issue concerns the stability of the level of self-control through time. Without proper measuring capabilities it is unrealistic to present the idea that the self-control that is developed at an early age remains unchanged as a person ages, gains education and new experiences. This theory also has a narrow concept of effective parenting. Stating that the most effective way to establish self-control in a child is through monitoring, intervention and punishment