This paper discusses self-control theory, which is proposed as a general theory of crime by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990). These researchers argued that low levels of self-control explained criminal acts and criminal behavior, regardless of age, gender, race, time, or type of crime. They also argue that low levels of self-control is also the (main) explanatory variable in behaviors similar to criminal behavior, such as deviant behavior, anti-social behavior, and other risk-taking behavior including smoking and over-drinking (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990). Low self-control is something that is developed from childhood, at the stage at which self-control can be developed through socialization. These researchers argue that it is primarily the parents’ responsibility to social their children well so that they will develop self-control. It can therefore be argued that self-control theory puts the onus on individual parents to make sure that their children are socialized well and so not develop low self-control and engage in criminal and other risky behavior.
There is support in the literature for Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) theories. For example, Gottfredson (2006) and Lilly, Cullen, & Ball (2007) reviewed the literature on the topic and found that low self-control is a significant proctor of criminal behavior regardless of age, gender, location, race, and time. However, some researchers argue that the self-control theory put too much blame on individual parents and not enough responsibility on society to create equal opportunities and avenues for success for all children. This position is supported by research showing that social context is very important in determining criminal behavior: (1) deviant peers are just as important in affecting criminal behavior as low self-control; (2) community context also important and interacts with parenting to develop self-control; (3) different types of neighborhoods can affect parenting behavior and the development of self-control in children; and (4) school is important in socializing children (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990; Pratt and Cullen, 2000).
References
Gottfredson, M. R. (2006). The empirical status of control theory in criminology. Taking stock: The status of criminological theory, 15, 77-100.
Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Lilly, J. R., Cullen, F. T., & Ball, R.A. (2007). Criminological theory: Context and consequences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Pratt, T. C., & Cullen, F. T. (2000). The empirical status of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime: A meta-analysis. Criminology, 38, 931-964.
