Self Control and Social Control Theory - Essay Example

Self Control and Social Control Theory The subject of discussion of this paper is Social and Self control theories, and the view points of are they correct? I will research these theories and state theorists’ viewpoints on them. In most cases one can derive at a personal opinion on these theories. In the next few pages I will discuss the meanings of these theories according to definition. Also I will explain the meaning of these theories according to viewpoint from different theorists. I will conclude the paper with my own personal view of these theories and if they are correct. The last page of this paper there is a bibliography explaining reference materials used. The Difference between Self control Theory and Social Control Theory Self control is displayed through the choices one makes in controlling his actions and Social control is the choices made through society to control ones actions in public. The difference is apparent, the self control involves one’s personal choices and Social control involves the consequences of one’s own choices. Self control theory is based on the fact that every action or crime big or small can be predicted by this theory. This theory includes analyzing the subject with hopes of a crime committed and if so they have low self control. Examples of low self control are habit forming acts, reckless driving, and unprotected or promiscuous sex. The subject being of low self control would have poor judgment in other words to certain peer pressures. This theory was first Introduced by Gottfredson and Hirschi in “The General Theory of Crime” (1990) along with Social Control Theory. These theories became very popular and studied over and over by many students, crimologist and researchers. Low self control can be attributed to poor parenting skills and inadequate discipline for the offender in their childhood years. Also through later relationships self control can forecast a number of different behaviors (ex. cheating and gambling).Self control theory is based on Hirschi’s earlier works of Social Control Theory. Social control theory is similar to Self control theory in many ways citing similar Factors like Family and Discipline. Self control elaborates on Family and friend relationships rather than Societal influences. Social Control theory (Hirschi and Stark 1969 “Hellfire and delinquency “) suggests when a juvenile who has normal relationships in which helps them to make good judgments in society. Normal relationships include proper attachment, involvement, belief, and commitment in the “theory”. The results of that theory according to research were not the greatest! The first form of Social control theory was explained by Reiss (1951:196) who described delinquency as failing life in a personal and social way. Hirschi and Gottfredson (1969) did agree with Reiss with their Social Control Theory. Jackson Toby (1957) had a theory that was similar to Hirschi‘s theory but explained the probability of chance of learning these criminal acts as well as studying a adolescent’s knowledge and acceptance of society. Walter Reckless Explained with containment theory that juveniles who had positive reinforcement of one’s self made a better judgment towards peer pressure. Social Control Theory. Inner Containment being good self esteem and outer containment being correction and punishment. Containment theory explains two aspects one inner containment would relate to Self Control theory and Outer containment would relate to Social Control theory. Social Control theory provides a beaten path towards a safer community and society. Social Control theory is designed to help w/ social conformity and eliminate any chance of Deviance by instilling fear of punishment by police, family, and mentors. I believe Hirschi’s Social control theory was based on previous theories explained above. Arguments of these theories are generally disbelief of them and their validity (plausible) a juvenile will engage in criminal acts. Evans and colleagues “The Social Consequences of Self Control” found that delinquency was contributed by poor family relationships in which agreed to Hirschi’s theory of Self control. Other such Theorists agreed also with their Self control theory and they are Junger, Cochran, and Gibbs who researched aspects such as wearing seatbelts, glasses, plagiarism, gambling and substance abuse. These criminologists investigated these facts for predictability of crime. Apposing Arguments state that Hirschi and Gottfredson’s Theory is not as strong as Baumrind’s theory of Authoritative parenting (Hay, 2001), Strain theory (Van Wyk, Benson and Harris, 2000) it was so said by some criminologists that Hirschi’s theory is not as strong as Hirschi says. Contrasting Social and Self control theories is very easy. First you would want to take a look at the upbringing of the delinquent(Self control theory) then you would want to take a look at the punishments imposed(Social Control theory).Self control is a theory that is based on how we are taught by our authorities to behave in a certain way. Our Authorities are teachers, parents, police, friends and sometimes spouses. Without self control this society would be overrun and pillaged by criminals or general population. Social Control theory is an examination of punishments brought on residents of the community resulting in a republic that behaves! The Opinion of this writer being someone that had a “Difficult” youth I believe this theory is pretty accurate. Most certainly Hirschi’s arguments are very strong and the collaborating viewpoints of the time period suggest that he is correct. There are a few opposing thoughts listed but not as many as collaborating thoughts by other writers, researchers and theorists. As the researcher on this project I would conclude with my opinion and it is that Self control theory is the winner being unique to its time and pretty accurate. We need to start with inner containment rather than outer containment. You have to start the change within as most people would say. LOW self esteem can result from bad situations in the household. The reason for this opinion is apparent as I stated above without normal bonds and building blocks in a family your children will “rebel” against you. They will run away from Broken Dreams and Homes causing whatever in their path to society. Without attachment like in adoption situations it can result in social disorders! These children might receive a disorder and that is not a small price to pay, anxiety about interaction with other juveniles for instance. With good psychotherapy we can begin to solve our youth not just punish through Social Control. Although Social Control is the way society and parents deal with our short comings. Social Control (punishment) theory is not the only theory in our environment on how to stop or predict a crime. Prevention should start with good moral up bringing not just societal views of our juveniles. I don’t believe that our juveniles’ morals come from society, I believe they come from our family life, church, education, occupation, habitat and personal control!(Albert Reiss1951) Social control theory would suggest to depend on others to reprimand a punishment for things we knew were wrong. The juvenile in the system are generally Teenagers not small children, which would suggest they have low self control not social control! Teenagers also look for an easy and quick crime not a plotted crime. Teenagers are more likely to relate to gangs and violence if they are affiliated with another criminal. Teenagers are very impressionable and susceptible to pressures of others. These things I personally agree with are involved in the Self Control theory more so than Social Control Theory! WORKS CITED: Self control Theory: Van Wyk, J.A., Benson, and M.L. & Harris, D.K. (2000) .Test of strain and self-control theories: Occupational crime in Nursing Homes. Journal of Crime & Justice, 23, 27-44.http://www.soc.iastate.edu/staff/delisi/DeLisi%20Designed%20to%20Fail%20AJCJ%202001.pdf Social Control Theory: Ganor Borade, April 18, 2009, Theory of Social Control, Buzzle.com, WEB Webpage: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/theory-of-social-control.html Lewis Coser, Dec. 02 2006, Crime theories and the field of criminology, WEB Webpage: http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/1010/1010lect02.htm Gottfredson, M. & Hirschi, Travis. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. CA: Stanford University Press. ThesisStatement: Webpage: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml#assignedWriting Tutorial Services, Jan. 30 2008, How to write a thesis statement, WEB Read More