Crime : Hirschi

• Hirschi’s social bond theory is sometimes referred to as social control theory. It is the belief that socialisation and the forming of personal relationships are among the most significant aspects of human development that keep us from committing crimes or other acts of social deviance.
• Hirschi claims that a person understands the social conditions and expectations that come with being part of a society. People recognise that they depend on other people's empathy and understanding to be accepted and if they commit a crime or deviant act, they may lose this connection with others. Also, the negative consequences of committing a crime, for example, going to prison, would mean we lose the connections with others and their respect and esteem.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Attachment

  Attachment which refers to our relationships with others. For example, the earliest and most influential attachment that a person can form is with their parent or parents, who presumably help us to form an understanding of the world around us.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Attachment

  Through this attachment, we learn what to expect from others in our culture, and what is expected of us in return. Over time, we come to internalise these cultural norms as a part of our individual and collective identities, which establishes a kind of shared understanding of social boundaries that keep us from focusing entirely on ourselves or whatever it is that we want at any given moment.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Attachment

  People are attached to family members and become part of their community. They may be considerate of their needs and wishes. Attachment prevents crime: people don’t want their loved ones to be disappointed in them. Attachment explains crime: people who have no loved ones have no one to disappoint.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Beliefs

  People share moral beliefs such as respect for others or religion. Beliefs prevent crime: would be frowned upon or would feel guilty. Beliefs explain crime: some people are atheist and have a weak moral compass.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Commitment

  People are committed to work, education, family and their future and aren’t willing to lose this. Commitment prevents crime: don’t want to sabotage their future. Commitment explains crime: people have nothing left to lose eg. homeless.
• SOCIAL BONDS - Involvement

  People are involved with the community or family life. Involvement prevents crime: people don’t want to be outcast or sanctioned by the community. Involvement explains crime: people feel alienated or left out so have no care for the opinions of others.