Sociology 2259 Lecture Notes - Travis Hirschi, Social Control Theory, Social Control
25 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
Has to do with social controls and effectiveness. Control theories assume that everyone is capable of deviance. It also says that we are all born deviants. When social control works, it creates conformity; when it fails, it does not necessarily create deviance, it just provides the individual with opportunities to choose a deviant path. Focus is on socialization and super saturation of the individual. Social control theories are in the realm of positivism objective approach. There is an explanation that science can provide. Similar to classical theory and hobbs and the social contract. Same foundational idea that society needs structure to function. Deviance occurs when social bonds become weak or broken. If you care about what people think you are less likely to deviate. Argues we are firmly bonded to conventional society and therefore do not deviate. Fundamental bias in this theory towards the ideal family. The family is the primary socialization factor in this theory.
