Moving Control Theory Forward

2019 ◽  
pp. 205-228
Author(s):  
Michael Gottfredson ◽  
Travis Hirschi
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Human Nature ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Comparative Criminology ◽  
Modern Control Theory ◽  
Childhood Socialization ◽  
Modern Control

Research on self control from several disciplines demonstrates that relatively high levels of self control, emerging from childhood, create considerable personal advantages that accumulate throughout life. This chapter summarizes modern control theory and discusses directions for future development. It highlights the advantages of control theory, including disciplinary-free definitions of human nature and self control and the focus on childhood socialization. The potential for advances in measurement and application is described. Contributions of the theory to public policy are summarized. The role of higher levels of self control for lifelong advantages and the benefits of prevention are described as expectations of the theory worthy of considerable attention. The value of the theory for macro and comparative criminology is discussed.

Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gottfredson ◽  
Travis Hirschi
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Social Control Theory ◽  
Modern Control Theory ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Course Outcomes ◽  
Modern Control

Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice updates and extends the authors’ classic general theory of crime (sometimes referred to as “self-control theory”). In Part I, contemporary evidence about the theory is summarized. Research from criminology, psychology, economics, education, and public health substantially supports the lifelong influence of self control as a significant cause of problem behaviors, including delinquency and crime, substance abuse, school problems, many forms of accidents, employment instability, and many poor health outcomes. Contemporary evidence is supportive of the theory’s focus on early socialization for creation of higher levels of self control and other dimensions of the theory, including the roles of self control, age and the generality or versatility of problem behaviors, as well as the connections between self control and later teen and adult problem behaviors. The book provides methodological assessments of research on the theory, contrasting the control theory perspective with other developmental perspectives in criminology. The role of opportunity, the relationship between self and social control theory, and the role of motivation are addressed. In Part II, control theory is taken to be a valid theory and is used to explore the role of criminal sanctions, especially policing and prisons, and policies about immigration, as methods to impact crime. Modern control theory provides an explanation for the general lack of effectiveness of formal, state sanctions on crime and instead provides substantial justification for prevention of delinquency and crime by a focus on childhood. The theory effectively demonstrates the limits of criminal sanctions and the connection between higher levels of self control and positive life-course outcomes.

scholarly journals General Theory, Public Policy, and the Limits of Criminal Justice

2019 ◽  
pp. 131-150
Author(s):  
Michael Gottfredson ◽  
Travis Hirschi
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
General Theory ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Classical Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Modern Control Theory ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Theory Of Crime ◽  
Modern Control

In this chapter, the general theory of crime depicted in self-control theory is taken as valid, and the implications for criminal justice are explored. The historical connections between classical theory and criminal sanctions are described, and the relations between classical deterrence theories and control theory are examined. The classical theory assumption that deterrence places limits of effectiveness on state sanctions is used in conjunction with the modern notion of self control. The result is that modern control theory, supported by contemporary research on the effectiveness of criminal sanctions, explains why criminal sanctions have limited effectiveness for crime and sets limits on the appropriate use of criminal sanctions. Modern control theory, using classical school assumptions of human nature and choice, shows why public policy should focus on early socialization and prevention.

Examining the Role of Power-Control Theory and Self-Control to Account for Computer Hacking

2020 ◽  
pp. 001112872098189
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Holt ◽  
Kevin F. Steinmetz
Keyword(s):  
Gender Difference ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Power Control ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Criminological Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Hacking ◽  
Using Data

Criminological inquiry consistently identifies a gender difference in offending rates, which are also evident among certain forms of cybercrime. The gender difference in cybercrime offending is particularly large within computer hacking, though few have specifically addressed this issue through applications of criminological theory. The current study attempted to account for the gender disparity in hacking through a test of power-control theory, which considers the role of class and family structure. This analysis also incorporated an extension of power-control theory through the influence of low self-control. Using data from the Second International Self-Report of Delinquency study (ISRD-2), logistic regression analyses were estimated, producing partial support for both theories to account for hacking. Implications for theory and research were explored in detail.

Modern control theory

2001 ◽  
pp. 23-70
Author(s):  
Branislav Kisačanin ◽  
Gyan C. Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Modern Control Theory ◽  
Modern Control
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