Social Control Theory Analysis Essay Example

and therefore naturally capable of committing criminal acts," and that "people commit crimes because it is in their nature to do so." However, the question that remains unanswered is why most individuals do not engage in criminal behavior.

According to social control theorists (Wilson ; Herrnstein 1985: pp. 234-246), delinquents are believed to act on their primal inclinations. This theory suggests that individuals in a society establish bonds with others, such as parents, pro-social friends, churches, schools, teachers, and sports teams (Hirschi ; Gottfredson 1993: pp. 47-54). Hirschi identified four social bonds that are critical for shaping an individual's behavior. These include emotional ties to key people in one's life, commitment to social norms and values such as education, job success, and law abidance, involvement in activities that limit the time for trouble, and the belief and respect for the law (Hirschi ; Gottfredson 1993: pp. 47-54).

By creating bonds, an individual can develop stronger social capital and internalize society's norms, such as being a law-abiding citizen. This perspective on the theory can explain juvenile delinquency, as those who do not form bonds or develop the same level of social capital are more likely to engage in criminal activity. This deficiency in socialization is what makes juveniles more prone to criminal activity. Right Realism, also known as new right realism, is the polar opposite of left realism according to Akers (1990: pp. 653-676).