Self Control Theory

1. Self Control Theory

2. Self-control theory • Hirschi collaborated with Gottfredson (1990) to develop the theory with the only one type of control – self-control • They did not clarify how their self-control theory relates to Hirschi’s social bonding theory • We can assume that all four elements of social bonding must be an indicators of the concept of self-control

3. Self-control theory • Theory states that individuals with high self-control will be less likely at all periods of life to engage in criminal acts, while individuals with low self-control are likely to commit crimes

4. Elements of low self-control • Self-control consists of the ability to delay gratification • People with low self-control have a “here and now” orientation and are unable or unwilling to delay gratification. • Crime provides easy gratification of desires (money without work, sex without courtship, revenge without court delays) • People lacking self-control also tend to lack persistence in a course of action

5. Elements of low self-control • Criminal acts are exciting, risky, and thrilling • They involve steal, speed, agility, deception, and power • People lacking self-control tend to be adventuresome, active, and physical • Those with high levels of self-control tend to be cautious, cognitive, and verbal

6. Elements of low self-control • Crimes provide a few long-term benefits • They are not equivalent to a job or a carrier (on contrary, crimes interfere with long-term commitments to job, family, or friends) • People with low self-control tend to have unstable marriages, friendships, and job profiles

7. Elements of low self-control • Crimes require little skill or planning (the cognitive requirements for most crimes are minimal) • People lacking self-control need not possess or value cognitive or academic skills

8. Elements of low self-control • Crimes often result in pain or discomfort for the victim • It follows that people with low self-control tend to be self-centered, indifferent, or insensitive to the suffering and needs of others

9. Elements of low self-control • Low self-control argument rests on the idea that crime is like any other reckless act. • Those with low self-control tend to smoke, drink, use drugs, gamble, have children out of wedlock, and engage in illicit sex • In addition, because low self-control is associated with all types of crime, offenders will tend not to specialize in particular kind of crime.

10. Determinants of Low Self-Control • Low self-control is produced in families where there is little attachment between parent and child, in families where parents fail to recognize deviant behavior (for example, in cases where parents are also deviant), or when parents recognize deviant behavior and fail to correct it • Self-control that is not attainment in childhood is unlikely to be produced in adulthood

11. Self-control • Self-control develops during early socialization • Once formed in childhood, the amount of self-control remain relatively stable throughout life • Parents who are attached to children, supervise, monitor and punish deviant acts (family is the most important agent) • Peer groups are relatively unimportant in the development of self-control

12. Crime Rate Variations? • Why do people commit less crime as they age? • Why are some regions are more crime prone than others? • Why are some groups are more crime prone than others? • Does that mean there are between-group differences in self-control?

13. Age-crime relationship 8-9 years 15-24 years 45-55 years

14. Answer of the theory • Criminal propensity and criminal acts are separate concepts • Crime is rational and predictable- people commit crime when it promises rewards with minimal threat of pain • If targets are guarded, crime rates diminish • “Only the truly irrational offender would dare to strike under those circumstances”

15. Answer of the theory • Criminal offenders are people predisposed to commit crimes, they are not robots who commit crime without restrain • Their days are filled also with conventional behaviors (school, church, job) • But given the same set of criminal opportunities (free time, living in a neighborhood with unguarded homes, etc) crime prone people are more likely to violate the law.