Kevin Pascual
Sociology 100
10/25/12
Social Bond Theory
In 1969, a man named Travis Hirschi wrote and proposed something called the Social Control Theory. This theory can be applied in numerous kinds of ways when trying to address and solved social problems dealing with adolescents delinquent behavior. Before we can try to apply the Social Bond Theory, we must first understand the components and definition of the theory. Once we have a firm grasp of the theory, we can then look into our own lives and programs within our communities, to possibly provide support to strengthen the validity of the Social Bond Theory.
Travis Hirshi's Social Bond Theory The Social Control Theory as written by Travis Hirschi in 1969, can be divided into several parts, in this case, we will be looking at the Causes of Delinquency, more specifically, the Social Bond Theory and its four components. The Social Bond Theory links delinquent behavior in the individual with the quality of the bonds he or she has within the society. The theory suggests that the probability of an individual to commit delinquent acts is inversely related to how strong the individual's bond to society is. Ergo, the stronger the bond that the individual has with his or her society is, the less likely it is that they'll commit delinquent acts. Going a little further, Hirschi discusses that the Social Bond Theory is comprised of four components: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
Attachment
Attachment is referred to as the extent in which a person is attached to others. Attachment begins when we are born where our first type of attachment would be towards our mothers. Then as we grow older our primary attachments become our family then our friends, then our co-workers, teachers, and other members of the community. By having these attachments to people, we learn to internalize norms, develop a conscience, and become more
Cited: Hollenbeck p.a.l. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://lapdhollenbeckpal.org/ P.a.l: Police activity league. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.lapdonline.org/youth_programs/content_basic_view/6274 Pasadena pal program. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/police/pasadena_pal_program/ Who are we. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.4-h.org/about/youth-development-organization/ Wiatrowski, M. D., Griswold, D. B., & Roberts, M. K. (1981). Social control theory and delinquency. American Sociological Review,46(5), 525-526. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2094936? uid=3739560&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101355248667