Self-Control Theory
(SOC109 Lecture 11 (20249), p.21)
• Gottfredson and Hirschi: A General Theory of Crime (1990)
• Uses concepts from rational choice theory including bounded rationality.
• Moves beyond crimes as defined by the law to self-interested behaviours.
• Low self-control can result in crimes, but also in other risktaking or impulsive behaviours.
- Low self-control is a factor to criminality.
- Impulsive
- No Self-Control
- Low social bonds
- Opportunity to commit crime
- Insensitive
(SOC109 Lecture 11 (20249), p.23)
• People with low self-control are focused immediate gratification, increasing the chance they will engage in crime.
• Low self-control results unstable marriages, inconsistent work histories, and weaker personal and professional relationships.
• As low self-control emerges in childhood, it's not people who change, but opportunities.