Explain Juvenile Delinquency in Terms of Hirschi”S Social...

TITLE: EXPLAIN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN TERMS OF HIRSCHI†S SOCIAL BONDING THEORY, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CASE STUDY Table of Contents Content Introduction Overview of Travis Hirschis Social Bond Theory Applying Hirschi’s Social Bonding Theory to the Case of Susan Fryberg Critique of Self-Control Theory Summary Conclusion References Introduction In this assignment I will try to explain juvenile delinquency in terms of Hirschi’s social bonding theory, with special reference to the case study of Susan Fryberg. I will briefly introduce you to Travis Hirschi and walk you thorough his social bonding theory. I will show how events that unfolded in Susan Frybergs life can be explained†¦show more content†¦Reconciling Hirschis two control theories has attracted the attention of theorists (Felson 1997) as much as Hirschis earlier social bond theory attracted the attention of researchers anxious to measure the four elements of the social bond -- attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief (Wiatrowski et. al. 1981). In 1969 Travis Hirschi presented four social bonds which promote socialization and conformity. These include attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. He claimed that the stronger these four bonds, the least likely one would become delinquent. Hirschi first assumes that everyone has potential to b ecome delinquent and criminal and it is social controls, not moral values, which maintain law and order. Without controls, he argues, one is free to commit criminal acts. Hirschi further assumes that a consistent value system exists and all of society is thus exposed to such a system. Moral codes are then defied by delinquents because their attachment to society is weak. While Sykes and Matza believe that delinquents share the same values and attitudes as non delinquents, Hirschi views delinquents as rejecting such social norms and beliefs. Assumptions of Hirschi’s social bonding theory (these ideas are drawn from Goode: 1994, 1997, 2001, 2005; and Pfohl, Images of Deviance and Social Control, 1985 and the Study Guide for this module) Individuals are naturallyShow MoreRelatedEssay about Hirschi’s Social Bonding Theory 1195 Words   |  5 PagesIn criminology, researchers have constantly tried to explain why people commit crime and engage in juvenile delinquency. Many theories have emerged for over a century about why people commit these deviant behaviors. Macro-level theories focus on social structures and the effects of those structures on the human behavior. Basically, macro-level theories explains aggregate crime. Micro-level theories focuses on individuals and their interactions with various groups of people. For example, the relationshipRead MoreEssay on Criminological Theories13456 Words   |  54 PagesStudent Study Guide for Ronald L. Akers and Christine S. Sellers’ Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Applications Fourth Edition Prepared by Eric See Youngstown State University Roxbury Publishing Company Los Angeles, California 1 Student Study Guide by Eric See for Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application , 4th Edition by Ronald L. Akers and Christine S. Sellers Copyright  © 2004 Roxbury Publishing Company, Los Angeles, California