Control Theory Essay

307 Words2 Pages
There are numerous theories on deviance, control theory being one of them. In sociology, control theory is the view that people refrain from deviant behavior because diverse factors control their impulses to break social norms. Developed by thinkers such as Travis Hirschi and Walter Reckless, control theory explains why people often do not act on deviant impulses. Some controls are internal, such as a person’s conscience and motivation to succeed; others internal, such as one’s parents, friends, and legal codes. For example, fear of potential embarrassment and stole security might interfere with a person’s desire to steal. Another example would be involvement in conventional activities such as: athletics, girl scouts, boy scouts, school and religious activities that take up leisure time of adolescence and young adults. The purpose for these activities being to provide an alternative to deviance such as: drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, vandalism and numerous crimes. Control theory links non-deviant behavior to socialization and social bonds. Those who are more socialized as children and maintain stronger bonds with others are less likely to behave in deviant ways. The control theory holds a lot of truth. People have the desire to deviate but depending on the situation different factors cause the individual to comply with the social norm. Control theory states that conventional activities are put in place for adolescence and young adults to occupy time that could be filled with deviant activity. Likewise there are many community outreach programs being directed in poorer neighborhoods that are put in place to direct young people in fallowing social norms. Instead of selling drugs or getting involved in gang activity youth have a positive environment to get involved in. The control theory is based off of years of research and strong evidence and ideals to
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