Disney's Social Bond Theory Of Deviance

Social bond theory (Hirschi, 1969) explains conformity as a result of attachment to others and how people are concerned about what others think of them. For example, in Disney, visitors are wished a happy day at each transition. Therefore, encouraging a bond with the employees and visitors (Newburn, 2012). Commitment is also an element, the investment of time in specific events prevents deviance because one doesn’t want to risk the loss of investment. For example, when Shearing’s daughter developed a blister and walked barefooted in Disney, they were approached by a security guard dressed as a Bahamian Police Officer and informed them walking barefoot was not allowed “for the safety of the visitors” (Shearing and Stenning, 1987). To avoid being disadvantaged of the
Cohen’s ‘net-strengthening’ of intensive surveillance involving families, employees and strangers could be used to explain why deviation was prevented from the ‘Disney Order’. For example, every Disney Productions employee is not only evidently busy with their roles but also busy in the preservation of order and surveillance (Shearing and Stenning, 1987). This supports his argument that the state’s authority to dominate people has improved and escalated. Cohen’s concept of deeper nets and private policing may also help to explain how deviation was prevented from the ‘Disney Order’. For example, the Police in Disney World which prevent deviation are dressed up like many of the other characters, like Mickey Mouse. A criticism of implanting controls, such as surveillance and constant instructions in the environment in Disney World, is that “control becomes consensual”. The visitors being controlled are happily collaborating. Foucault suggests “the controlled become the source of their own control” (Shearing and Stenning,