DB questions
ismails95
8ControlTheory.pptxControl Theory
JD: Causes and Control (8)
1
Introduction to Control Theory
Explains conformity rather than delinquency
Conform because of controls or restraints
1. belief that delinquency is wrong
2. fear of sanctions
2
Why Juveniles Conform and Sometimes Deviate
Some individuals high in control
1. believe delinquency very wrong
2. believe delinquency would be heavily sanctioned
Some individuals low in control
1. believe delinquency only a little bit wrong
2. believe delinquency would not be heavily sanctioned
3
Control Theory and Social Learning Theory (Similarities)
Both focus on extent to which delinquency is prevented through sanctions
Differences
1. social learning theory focuses on factors that motivate delinquency
2. control theory assumes all juveniles naturally motivated toward delinquency
4
Major Types of Control
Direct control
Stake in Conformity
Internal control
5
Direct Control
Direct control = efforts of others to control behavior
a. parents major source
b. also includes justice system, school officials, neighborhood residents, and others
four components of direct control
a. setting clearly defined rules for juvenile
b. monitoring behavior
(1) direct: under direct surveillance of parent or other authority figure
(2) indirect: parents or other authority figures keep tabs on juvenile
c. sanctioning rule violations in a consistent, fair, and not overly harsh manner
d. reinforcing conventional behavior
6
Stake in Conformity
Defined: what a juvenile has to lose by engaging in delinquency
emotional attachment to conventional others
delinquency may upset people one cares about
delinquency may cause them to think badly of juvenile
actual or anticipated investment in conventional activities
most juveniles have spent much time and energy in conventional activities
most juveniles have been rewarded and expect future rewards for efforts
most juveniles do not want to jeopardize that investment by engaging in delinquency
7
Internal Control
Internal control refers to an effort to constrain oneself from delinquency
1. beliefs regarding delinquency
those low in direct control and with a low stake in conformity less likely to believe delinquency is wrong
juveniles with an amoral orientation toward delinquency do not hold beliefs that restrain them from delinquency
some juveniles not taught that delinquency is bad
2. ability to exercise self-control
individuals differ in ability to control or restrain themselves
low self-control indexed by several personality traits, such as impulsivity, insensitivity, shortsightedness, etc.
major cause of low self-control is ineffective parenting
8
Summary of Control Theory
Delinquency most likely when low direct control, low stake in conformity, and low internal control
Data generally support theory
9
