Super-Fly: Social Bond Theory

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Tyler Piercy Oct. 11, 2012 CJ Theories Super-Fly I read the novel “Super-Fly: The True Untold Story Of Frank Lucas, American Gangster”. I got the opportunity to read about the most biggest, smartest, and baddest dope dealer in the history of the world, so I would say this book was pretty good to say the least. It allowed an insight on how life was under harsh conditions living in a world that wasn’t suitable for everyone. This documentary focuses on legendary American gangster Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug dealer whose criminal empire eventually made him one of the most powerful figures in American organized crime. Through interviews with Lucas' own friends, colleagues and prosecutors, the book examines not only his career but…show more content…
Social Bond Theory (formerly known as Social Control Theory) is the belief that the self control of an individual can be built by manipulating the processes of socialization and social learning. It is also thought to help decrease the urge to engage in antisocial behavior. The theory proposes that people are influenced not to participate in criminal activities based upon their relationships with others, beliefs, commitments, values and social norms. The four basic elements of social bond theory are attachment, commitment, involvement in conventional versus deviant or criminal activities, and lastly the common value system within an individual’s society or subgroup. Attachment is described as the level of values and or norms that an individual holds in society. Attachment is especially important when it come to the person’s parental figures. This theory suggests that conventional figures, such as parents, when bonded make a huge impact in the deterrent of criminal acts. Attachment to other peers tend to be just as supportive as parental ties, just as long as these ties are positive and do not deviate from the social norms of society. According to Hirschi other attachments, such as school, play a tremendous role in conventional society. School has tended to be a middle to upper class involvement since it was first created. The middle class children tend to make fun of or demoralize the lower class children. This treatment also does not just come from the child it also comes directly from the institution, through the teacher. In combination with each other the person starts to resent school at the earliest point. This resentment also hinders the continuation of further education. This comes full circle to the lower class standard of living for generations to come. Next is commitment, this can be described as the level of commitment that an
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