Self-Control
Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) are the primary theorists who founded the Self-Control theory. These researchers argue the basic principle behind criminality is determined by the level of self-control exhibited by the individual in question. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) describe self-control in the context of how well you can resist temptations in daily activities and sudden opportunities. Those that demonstrate a lower level of self-control have a higher probability of expressing criminal behavior, while the converse is applicable for those with high self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) determined that low self-control is a significant factor in determining the likelihood of an individual participating in deviant behaviors …show more content…
This is realized through a foundation based on the structure and the resulting nature of attachments and connections made through-out life to social establishments (Hirschi 1969). Connections made to social institutions early in life are especially vital. These break down into four key components established by Hirschi (1969) to include: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. It is through these four key components that people are affected by their ties to people in their lives. The first of these four components is attachment, which is the emotional aspect of the bond and also the most significant of the four elements. In this component, the person is trying to capture the approval of those the bond is formed with. Sam did not have a typical nuclear family that is common throughout society, but rather placed his Uncle Howie (pg. 41-42) in the position of his paternal figure. Uncle Howie was himself a participant in criminal behavior which further lead Sam to participate in similar activities to make him proud. The second of these components is commitment, which is the establishment of something that cannot be risked to be lost through the partaking in criminal activities. It makes up the rational aspect of the Social Bond Theory (Hirschi 1969). Sam did not complete his education (pg. 41), and never established himself in a place of long-term employment. By failing to establish commitments he failed to create things that could be potentially lost through criminal activity. The third component of this theory is involvement. In this component, the more structure that the individual is involved in, the less likely they are to participate in criminal activity. This is due to the lower amount of time that is free to be spent participating in potentially deviant activities. Throughout the narrative it is very apparent that Sam does not think highly of
Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) are the primary theorists who founded the Self-Control theory. These researchers argue the basic principle behind criminality is determined by the level of self-control exhibited by the individual in question. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) describe self-control in the context of how well you can resist temptations in daily activities and sudden opportunities. Those that demonstrate a lower level of self-control have a higher probability of expressing criminal behavior, while the converse is applicable for those with high self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) determined that low self-control is a significant factor in determining the likelihood of an individual participating in deviant behaviors …show more content…
This is realized through a foundation based on the structure and the resulting nature of attachments and connections made through-out life to social establishments (Hirschi 1969). Connections made to social institutions early in life are especially vital. These break down into four key components established by Hirschi (1969) to include: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. It is through these four key components that people are affected by their ties to people in their lives. The first of these four components is attachment, which is the emotional aspect of the bond and also the most significant of the four elements. In this component, the person is trying to capture the approval of those the bond is formed with. Sam did not have a typical nuclear family that is common throughout society, but rather placed his Uncle Howie (pg. 41-42) in the position of his paternal figure. Uncle Howie was himself a participant in criminal behavior which further lead Sam to participate in similar activities to make him proud. The second of these components is commitment, which is the establishment of something that cannot be risked to be lost through the partaking in criminal activities. It makes up the rational aspect of the Social Bond Theory (Hirschi 1969). Sam did not complete his education (pg. 41), and never established himself in a place of long-term employment. By failing to establish commitments he failed to create things that could be potentially lost through criminal activity. The third component of this theory is involvement. In this component, the more structure that the individual is involved in, the less likely they are to participate in criminal activity. This is due to the lower amount of time that is free to be spent participating in potentially deviant activities. Throughout the narrative it is very apparent that Sam does not think highly of