social control theory

Social control theory

Introduction

Social control theory describes relationships, commitments, and beliefs that encourage conformity in the society. According to Eric Silver and Miller Lisa’s article on, “sources of informal social control in Chicago neighborhood”; informal control can be achieved through internal conscience, fear of external authority and provision of all basic needs. This article also revealed that in disadvantaged societies, the internal ability to distinguish between right and wrong played a key role in maintaining social order (Lisa & Silver 2004). Therefore, social control theory can be used in the analysis of criminal behavior in the society.

Social control theory and Engagement in criminal behavior

Criminal behavior is as a result of straying away from the society’s code of conduct. This may be contributed by various factors such as the neighborhood one stays in and also the social interactions among people in the society. According to the social control theory, involvement in criminal behavior may result from an individual’s failure to internally distinguish between right and wrong, and also failure to recognize an authority by the individual. This makes him/ her to work without a conscience hence susceptible to committing crime.

Social control theory and prevention of criminal behavior

The understanding of the social control theory would assist the stakeholders in prevention of crime at an earlier stage. For example, parents would be able to bring up their children in a proper manner hence instilling in them the ability to distinguish right and wrong. Also, they would be able to provide fully for their children hence reducing criminal behavior caused by inadequacy.

Moreover, social control theory has proved to be beneficial to government planning strategies. It allows the government to counteract criminal behavior by boosting the relationship between the police and the citizens. This, according to social control theory, improves the public confidence hence reducing the crime rates in the society.

Analysis of social control theory on the engagement in criminal behavior

The social control theory has fully explained the factors that may result into engagement into criminal behavior. It incorporates both a person’s failure to internally decide and also the external factors such as the absence of an immediate authority (Rankin 2011). Through this understanding, prevention strategies can be put in place to counter future criminal behavior.

Analysis of social control theory on prevention of criminal behavior

Social control theory has clearly helped in the prevention of criminal behavior in the society. Through social control theory, the understanding of human behavior can be analyzed hence future predictions of behavior understood. This has helped the parents and also the government to put up strategies that assist in prevention of future criminal behavior. Therefore, social control theory has helped in proper bringing up of children and good public-police relationship that has played a role in prevention of criminal behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social control theory has been able to explain various reasons for an individual’s engagement in criminal behavior such as failure of internal conscience and absence of external authority. Through the understanding of social control theory, various stakeholders such as parents and the government would be able to put up strategies that would be beneficial in the prevention of criminal behavior. Therefore, social control theory has played an important role in the prevention of criminal behavior.

References

Lisa, M. & Silver, E. (2004). Sources of informal social control in Chicago Neighborhoods. Journal of Criminology. 3(42) 551- 583

Rankin, H (2011). Social control and self control theories of crime and deviance. Burlington: Ash gate publishers. Print