Low Self Control Summary

In the article, “Low Self Control Versus the Desire for Control: An Empirical Test of White Collar Crime and Conventional Crime”, a deeper look at the reasoning and logic behind deviant behavior was explored. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) developed a general theory encompassing a wide range of crimes and their comparative characteristics and behaviors. Yet, it has been found that research into white-collar crime has produced an array of results. In this general theory of crime, it has been widely accepted that the same factors contributed to offenders in cases of low self-control. However, some have theorized that there is a divergence of root cause when looking at corporate crime, and there should be a separate group of theories to support the offending characteristics. When looking at conventional crime, we see a desperate sense of low self-control. Yet, when looking at white-collar crime, we see more of a desire for control over situations.
Essentially, attempting to explain all facets of crime isn’t feasible, and would undermine the …show more content…
Individuals high in terms of a need for control dominate characteristics such as assertiveness, decisiveness, and activeness. They manipulate others when necessary for their own benefit and seek out leadership opportunities. Often, these traits are related to a high level of achievement. Although often beneficial, in the cases of the offending, these high achieving qualities can culminate into risky behaviors like gambling and domestic violence. Although both offenders in conventional and white-collar crime are attempting to alleviate desires, one is looking for control while the other hopes to satisfy an immediate need or whim. Both experience what is referred to in the article as “here-and-now orientation”, although those who desire control maintain that future oriented