Gottfredson And Hirschi: An Analysis

First, I focus on the construct of self-control as the act of imposing actions in order to regulate one’s behavior (Bandura, 1989; Vohs & Baumeister, 2004). Self-control can be described as the ability to impose intentional and productive actions in order to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior (Bandura, 1989; Vohs & Baumeister, 2004). Within the psychological sciences self-control is often highly related and referred to the theory of self-regulation (Bandura, 1989; Vohs & Baumeister, 2004).

Hirshi and Gottfredson explain in their theory that self-control is a major attribute that factors into the

The other side of the arguement say that while it can be a problem, it can also promote self control, disipline and responsibilty because throughout

Many of the self-control disorders involve disturbances in the ability to regulate an impulse - an urge to act. People with impulse control disorders act on certain impulses involving some potentially harmful behavior that they cannot resist. Impulsive behavior in and of itself is not necessarily harmful; in fact, we all act impulsively upon occasion. Usually our impulsive acts have no ill effects, but in some instances they may involve risk. Consider the following two examples. While walking through a clothing store, a young woman decides on the spur of the moment to charge an expensive sweater which is over her budget; she may regret her decision later, but few serious consequences will result. Were she

2. Self-control theory, routine activities theory, and situational and environmental crime prevention are related to each other because most offenders have low self-control and respond to environmental cues that either entice or thwart criminal behavior. There are three prongs to routine activities theory, a likely offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians. The likely offender, in this

This time, I am going to focus on these two theories, subcultural theory and self-control theory. The reason why I chose these theories is that I am studying abroad now and I have possibilities that I can be a person who have subcultural aspects and need to do self-control here in US. Anyway, subcultural theory was built by Merton. This theory describe that there are many people who completely adjust their own norms or rules and these things are totally different from the major social group, so they tend to be deviant ( Walsh & Hemmens, 2014, p.151). On the other hand, self-control theory was built by Gottfredson and Hirschi. This theory describe that criminal behaviors are related to their lack of self-controlling abilities and such people often be like risk taker, impulsive and active ( Walsh & Hemmens, 2014, p.194). Then, I would like to look at these theories one after another.

Offenders who have had tragic or unfortunate childhoods often times develop a mild or non-existent ego. Criminal-Justice (N.D.) states in their article that studies have shown that a weak ego is responsible for, and can be linked to, lapses in social etiquette, increased immaturity, and an overdependence on others. (Criminal-Justice, N.D.). A non-existent or mild ego has been shown through studies to increase the chances of drug abuse, which can sometimes lead to criminal behavior and actions such as theft, domestic violence, DUI, assaults, destruction of property and even death.

Before we explore the subject of self-control theory with regard to the article from the Journal of Psychology in Chinese Societies, we have to define it. Self-control theory is a criminological theory about the lack of individual self-control as the main factor behind criminal behavior ("A general theory," 2007). The theory is controversial and has been subjected to much debate since it was formulated.

Weak controls increase the likelihood of delinquency, like theft and violence are often the easiest or most expedient way for people to get what they want, when a person has a weak control of his mind and emotions is more vulnerable to get in the delinquency life. For example, a person who is always involve with gang members and drug dealers is more vulnerable to be involve in that life. Another example, could be when a person is being bully, rejected by others in the school, the kids who suffer this type of emotions tend to become serial killers or

Develop self-control skills and have traced patterns of stability and changes in self control across the course of their life These health researchers have reported that self-control predicts early mortality; psychiatric disorders; and unhealthy

Television presents fast-paced information that may result in shorten attention spans creating impulsive behaviour in youth that is in a constant need of stimuli because it has usually always given to them through media (Kirsh, 2010). This has a long-term effect on educational outcomes by leading to students having a difficult time paying attention in an environment, such as a classroom that has fewer stimuli. This will impede a youths learning capability that has been affected by having low self-control and high risk-taking behaviours (Baron, 2003; Forde, 1997; Kirsh, 2010). This is the example of Gottfredson and Hirshi’s general theory of crime that argues that low self-control is the reason that youth engage in criminal activity due to being

He also adds that there are both internal and external controls which can cause a person to refrain from acting in a felonious manner, especially in case where there is a deficiency of social control from the individual’s family.

102). As a majority, they also agreed that they would continue downloading music illegally even though they knew it was illegal and had legal consequences (pg. 102). Furthermore, they were less likely to pay the 99 cents for a song legally and didn’t believe that pirating music hurt the music industry (pg. 102). These individuals were also more probable to committing music piracy in the previous 6 months (pg. 102). Overall, the level self-control an individual has significantly impacts whether or not they commit music piracy (pg. 102). Those with low self-control had a higher probability of committing music piracy (pg. 102). Individuals with high self-control are less likely to commit music piracy (pg.

When in context with violent crime, these stressors become even more intense, and irrational prejudices lead to failure of control over one’s own impulses. People are more insecure around members of different demographics, with the subconscious tension creating moral ambiguity within the mind, leading to a higher propensity of violent crime. Since these innate biases cannot be consciously controlled, the deterrence theory cannot be considered as a factor for curbing violent crime. Other subconscious factors manipulate people to act out impulsively without premeditated thoughts of the consequences.

The aim of this paper is to present a more comprehensive understanding of Charles R. Tittle’s control balance theory. Introduced are the assumptions about human nature and criminal behavior, hypotheses, methods for testing, empirical support, limitations, and implications. This research presents the benefits of identifying similar concepts in theories and merging them to create a broader theory. Moreover, the focus of this theory is on the claim that Tittle developed a theory that can explain both conventional criminal behavior as well as elite crime. Though more research is needed, the goal of this research is to show the positive impacts of integrating theories to create a utopian general theory. Observations, conclusions, and recommendations are described in the conclusions.