Deviant Behavior: Using Control Theory to Explain why Delinquent Teenagers Shoplift - Research Paper Example

Use the concept of control theory to explain why teenagers shoplift Deviance is behavior that does not follow the accepted cultural or social norms. It goes beyond nonconformity and includes behavior that departs considerably from the expectations of the society. Deviance includes both individual behavior and the social context. The sociological context of deviance looks into the unusual individual acts but also takes into context matters such as group processes, judgments, and definitions. It recognizes that not all groups judge behaviors similarly. This implies that what is deviating to one group may not be deviant to another. The accepted norms in this regard include all established rules and norms, which occur socially, but not merely morally defined or individually imposed. Deviance, therefore, does not lie just in behavior itself but extends to the social responses of individuals and groups to behavior by others. An example of a deviant behavior is shoplifting. Shoplifting is an act of delinquency that results from taking illegal possession of items from a commercial establishment. Shoplifting involves taking an item, where permission is granted to physical possess the item before purchase, and concealing the item in order to avoid paying for it. Shoplifting is a common crime and usually done by amateurs, although there are individuals who are skilled and make a living out of this deviant act (Larry and Brandon 127). Most individuals who commit these crimes are teenagers who do it for a variety of reasons. Delinquency and in extension teenage shoplifting can be explained by the control theory. Control theory elucidates the reason why people do not give in to deviant impulses and denotes a responsibility or an active role towards the behavior of the individual. Control theory, takes the perspective that individuals refrain from deviant acts due to various factors. Such are the factors that control their impulses to break social norms and engage in acts such as shoplifting. Control theory connects teenage shoplifting with the lack of effective control measures to counter the deviance. Literature review Cromwell and Thurman in their study interviewed 137 apprehended shoplifters and revealed the extensive use of neutralization techniques (535-550). The study further identified two methods, which include postponement and justification by comparison. They further argue that while previous formulations of the neutralization theory opposed the idea that deviants neutralize moral prescriptions prior to committing shoplifting, research is unable to determine whether the neutralization is prior neutralization or rationalization thereafter and that neutralization ordinarily follows deviance rather than preceding it. Among the key findings of Cupchik, is that the theft behavior often results from a loss-substitution act described in various facets. These include other factors, which underlie motivations that necessitate delinquent activities in typically honest individuals (78). Thus, most offenders such as teenage shoplifters risk being diagnosed wrongly as suffering from kleptomania. These misdiagnoses practically lead to a misunderstanding of the motivations of teenage shoplifters by their parents, themselves, and law enforcers. The gives a detailed understanding of the issues underlying the actions of these individuals and provides appropriate tools that assist in clinically assessing these individuals. The book also provides an overview of specified psychotherapeutic methods of treating individuals with these problems. It also provides useful information for assisting teenage shoplifters to stop the illegal and inappropriate behavior. Additionally the author provides suggestions designed for professionals who deal with these issues. The original finding by the author in that atypical shoplifting behavior is usually a loss-substitution activity described in various aspects, similar to the other categories of essential motivations that precipitate shoplifting activities in usually honest people. On the other hand, Barry and Laurie argue that Empirical results validate the idea that emotions are vital in explaining the deviant consumer act of shoplifting (785–802). The authors further state that age acts to moderate the comparative result of emotions and beliefs in shoplifting. While the moral beliefs of adult consumers’ provide a more illustrative influence in their shoplifting activities, adolescent shoplifting behavior also results from emotions. Beliefs regarding the moral concept of shoplifting influence the decisions by teenagers to shoplift. It is imperative, therefore, that emotions influence teenagers considerably, precisely power, and fear, making a greater impact. Hirschi attempts to argue and test the theory of delinquency, he provides the view that a delinquent individual is free from the aspirations, the moral beliefs and the intimate attachments that bind most individuals to adhere to the law (148). In another alternate theory, the delinquent individuals appear either as an innocent foreigner trying to observe the societal norms and is not in a situation to define conduct as good, or evil or make laws or as frustrated strikers forced into delinquency by acceptance of goals common to all individuals. The author analyzes a substantial body of data on the issue of delinquency in, California, contrasting throughout the suppositions of the strain, cultural deviance, and control theories. The author further summaries the suppositions of these theories and discourses the empirical and logical difficulties accredited for each of the theories. Consequently, Hirschi draws a sketch of social control theory, which enlightens the issue of teenage shoplifting (296). The existing research on the issue indicates the existence of a connection between teenage shoplifting and control theory and further provides for the relationship, but most of these studies do not look at the development of policy matters focused on this approach. Theoretical image The control theory is a concept brought into a contemporary context by Hirschi. Unlike other theories of delinquency, this theory instead of focusing on the personality of the individual as a cause of criminality focuses on the function of social relationships defined as social bonds. The primary focus of the control theory is on institutions and social bonds, rather than self-control and the individual. This theory of delinquency considers that delinquent act will arise when an individual’s connection or bond of society is broken or weak. Hirschi argues that no motivational factors are necessary for an individual to become delinquent (141). Accordingly, the only prerequisite is the absence of control that permits the individual to be able to weigh the benefits of the delinquent acts over the costs of those same acts. This explanation by Hirschi as to the reason individuals deviate from or conform to social norms involves four variables, which include commitment, attachment, belief, and involvement. Attachment in this case refers to the level to which an individual is attached to others. The more attachment an individual has the less that individual is likely to become delinquent. The attachments are the primary interactions with parents, and the attachment to teachers, peers, religion, and other members of the society. The preference of this feature is that it can be measured individually from deviant behavior. Commitment, on the other hand, involves the normal component in conformity. This refers to the fear of breaking the law. When individuals contemplate committing a deviant act, he should contemplate the risks of losing prior investment made by conformist behavior. The societal wealth and respect individual accrues throughout his or her life represents a reassurance to the society that the individual commits to conformist values. Commitment also stems from the individual’s hope of acquiring wealth in the future. Inclination in conventional activities includes the component of involvement. Involvement in conventional activities keeps an individual’s time occupied to permit the individual time to indulge in deviant behavior. The opportunity for deviance rarely results when an individual is occupied by something else. This variable attracts disputes because the concept of involvement has given rise to programs that aim at positive recreational activities. These activities occupy the leisure time of teenagers and thus presenting them with an opportunity to engage in delinquent behaviors this assertion has marginal negative effects of control theory. The last variable is a belief, which denotes the presence of a mutual value system in the society. The impressions and opinions that are reliant on continuous social strengthening comprises belief. An individual is probable to follow the social norms when the individual believes in these norms. According to the control theory, individual’s beliefs vary in magnitude and depth, and this variation relies on the level of attachment to groups representing the beliefs at issue. The social control theory, therefore, dictates that it is these bonds prevent individuals from deviant behavior. Individuals are attracted to deviant behaviors, and social bonds force them to avoid following these acts. Therefore, where the social bonds are weak individuals are more likely to deviate from the accepted norms. Theoretical components Reasons The primary reason for teenage shoplifting is peer pressure. These teens feel and see their friends shoplifting; thus, they feel as if they have to shoplift also in order to fit in. Even otherwise, non-delinquent teenagers can fall into pressure from peers to participate in shoplifting behaviors. In this regard, the control theory adopts the presence of a mutual value system within a group of individuals or the society whose norms are violated. In essence, the theory does not only assume the defiant teenager believes the norms, but also assumes the teenager believes the norms even as he or she violates them (Cupchik 272). It follows, therefore, that the teenagers treat beliefs as mere words that have little meaning if other forms of regulation are missing. Accordingly, he deviant teenager rationalizes the shoplifting behavior such that they can at once violate the norms and still maintain their belief in the norm. This vice of shoplifting is an activity that advances itself easily from, group participation, dares, and the “excitement” of getting away with an illegal thing. The teenagers perceive excitement as being able to get away with the item without apprehension. Sometimes this excitement and risk-taking, which becomes the primary motivator, originating from boredom and especially for teenagers with limited social activities. The assumption, shared by the control theory here is that a teenager may be too preoccupied in conventional activities to find time to engage in shoplifting behavior. The teenager involved in conventional undertakings commits to working hours, deadlines, appointments, and plans, such that they lack the opportunity to commit deviant acts (Cromwell and Thurman 98). Where teenagers engage in conventional undertakings, they have the opportunity to engage in deviant activities. The other reason for teenage shoplifting is the need of the items. Teenagers may shoplift in order to satisfy an inherent or perceived need for new items and clothing. These teenagers may find it uncomfortable to ask their parents for finances or believe their parents cannot afford the desired items. Furthermore, teenage shoplift due to the desire for things beyond their financial reach while others shoplift items that have brand name so that they can keep up with peers. The belief is that if attachment to other teenagers is the sociological equivalent of conscience or superego, then commitment is the complement of common sense or ego. To the teenager devoted to conventional habits, action risking time in prison for shoplifting is stupidity. This is because the costs and risks associated with shoplifting clearly exceed the worth of the item shoplifted. The control theory assumes that such decisions regarding the commitment to criminal acts, may be reasonably determined that the teenager's actions were not irrational considering the consequences of the crime. Other complex motives for shoplifting by teenagers include cries for help. This is where a teenager may be experiencing an abusive situation, or feels stressed or anxious. Shoplifting can give the teenager a sense of control over life, and provide a sense of euphoria. Many teenagers may engage in this vice as a release from frustration, anxiety, or depression over components of their life that they feel do not control. Moreover, a change in home life, death, or low self-esteem can contribute to such emotional turbulence behind teenage shoplifting. Other factors include rebellion as a way to draw attention in order to buy drugs or alcohol. The commitment concept of control theory assumes that the structure of the society, is such that the interests of most teenagers would be threatened if they were to engage in shoplifting acts. Most teenagers through the process of existing in an organized society acquire reputations, goods, and the prospects they do not want to lose. Consequences The most repulsive consequences resulting from shoplifting by teenagers are legal consequences and more so where the offense is not the first offense. Usually, legal punishment is sufficient for teenagers to restrain from committing such delinquent acts again. An arrest and a fine can also attach where the items stolen are of a marginal value. Typical shoplifting constitutes a charge of a misdemeanor, which involves community service or a fine. This allows the teenager to look at what lies ahead if they continue to shoplift. However, shoplifting items of considerable value aggregates felony and the teenager may be required to spend some time in jail, attend alternative education programs or probation. Other consequences involved include embarrassment. The consequences of teenage shoplifting also affect the business owners, as they have to install additional security systems as well as employ additional personnel the check on the vice. These measures cost the business money and effects on business productivity, which affects the economy. This, in turn, affects the productivity of the society and expenses incurred in solving issues related to shoplifting. Shoplifting can also affect the future employment of the teenager as employers usually screen job applicants to check for applicants with criminal records. Acts of shoplifting result such criminal records that can compromise the legibility of an individual and can cost an individual admittance into a college, a job, or an apartment lease. Individuals with criminal records of shoplifting, therefore, may find difficulties in seeking employment due to this fact. Policy implications The control theory indicates the lack of effective control in teenage shoplifting and as such, the policy reforms developed aimed at providing more effective controls in the prevention of the vice. Chief among these policies is the establishment of a store policy aimed at preventing teenagers from shoplifting and ensuring that the staffs are aware of the policy. Educating the staff has also been a crucial solution since well-trained staff forms an effective measure for preventing crime. Vigilance also assists prevent the vice and when the staff is alert and have proper training to identify shoplifters the incidences of shoplifting can be controlled. Having as clear policy on how to deal; with shoplifter’s acts as deterrence as the potential shoplifter’s are being noticed. This will often deter the teenagers from shoplifting. Paying attention to teenagers who are suspicious, always deters shoplifting, and can eliminate the vice. In the circumstance, that the teenager has already committed the crime it is essential to keep such an individual under observation and apprehend the individual before they exit. A policy is crucial as it sets out standard guidelines to be adopted in the prevention of shoplifting. Physical security is another prominent solution to the prevention of shoplifting and the most effective. The use of a combination of various preventive measures can be employed and can include CCTV; security mirrors sufficient lighting, alarms, and security personnel. Dummy cameras and radio frequency identification can also be used to deter shoplifters. Store Banning also works in controlling shoplifting and involves excluding individuals from the store especially previous shoplifters (Larry and Brandon 58). Store banning does not necessitate the business to provide reasons for banning an individual, this is mainly because it is within the discretion of the store to admit individuals. These approaches deprive the individual the opportunity to shoplift and thus prevent shoplifting. Control theory shows that in order for teenagers to shoplift they must have the opportunity to shoplift but where such opportunity does not result, therefore, the tendency to shoplift decreases. It is imperative to note that the control theory provides that deviance result from the absence of control and moral belief in the individual. Since delinquency results from weak bonds to the society, strengthening these bonds result. Providing facilities that occupy the teenagers also work effectively in preventing shoplifting as such activities occupies the individuals as well as building strong bonds of the society. Bad peer pressure can be checked by detaching the teenager from the bad company and providing education to strengthen the understanding of the repercussions associated with shoplifting. Conclusion Control theory develops explanations as to the reason teenagers shoplift and provides that the main reason for these actions. It stipulates that the behavior results from the weak bonds between such individuals and society and as a result of the weak bond the individuals are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. The theory further explains the reasons and consequences of teenage shoplifting and develops policy frameworks based on the theory. Existing research on the issue of control theory and teenage delinquency and especially shoplifting indicates that the theory explains the root of the vice. It also provides that when adopted appropriately this approach can result in effective policy measures. Works Cited Barry, John.,and Laurie Anthony, B. “Effects of moral cognitions and consumer emotions on shoplifting intentions.” Psychology & Marketing Volume 13, Issue 8, pages 785–802, December 1996. Doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6793(199612)13:83.0. CO; 2-B. Cromwell, Peter., and Thurman, Quaerez. “The devil made me do it: use of neutralizations by shoplifters.” Deviant Behavior, Volume 24, Number 6, November-December 2003, pp. 535-550(16). Cupchik, Will. Why Honest People Shoplift or Commit Other Acts of Theft: Assessment and Treatment of 'Atypical Theft Offenders' - A Comprehensive Resource for Professionals and Laypersons. Tagami Communications, 2011. Hirschi, Travis. Causes of Delinquency. Transaction Publishers, 2009. Larry, J. Siegel, Brandon, C. Welsh. Juvenile Delinquency: The Core. Cengage Learning, 2008. Read More