SOC211H5 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Social Control Theory, Travis Hirschi, Control Theory
Document Summary
Chapter 9: control theory by: travis hirschi (socio-psychological) Human nature is assumed to be guided by instincts (greed, lust, pride) Deviance occurs whenever society is disorganized, or when there is an absence of social restraints. Motivation to deviate is assumed to be a constant by social control theorist. Instincts or impulses are not the cause of deviant behaviour because all people (including the non-offenders) have these instincts. Social control theorists assume that all people have instincts and the capacity to commit crimes. Hobbes added reason to instincts; this gives humans even greater capacity for crime and deviance. People accept the rules and take pleasure (or get rewards) for obeying the rules. Durkheim stated that greater strength and power is derived from cooperation. Durkheim argued that societal breakdown is indicated by anomie (or the lack of rules) Ambition must be regulated or controlled; if ambition becomes unlimited, anomie is created. ( people aspire for everything and are satisfied with nothing. )
