Social control theory is one of those concepts in sociology that really gets to the heart of why people behave the way they do. It’s about the invisible strings society uses to keep us all playing by the rules. Ever wondered why most of us don’t go around breaking the law or rebelling against social norms? Social control theory gives us a pretty good explanation. So, let’s dive into what social control theory is all about, how it developed, and why it matters.
What Is Social Control Theory?
Social control theory, in its simplest form, suggests that people follow laws and social norms not because they are inherently good or moral, but because of the bonds they have with society. According to this theory, these bonds prevent us from engaging in deviant behavior. It’s like having an invisible leash—our relationships with family, friends, institutions, and our community keep us in check. The theory was popularized by Travis Hirschi in his 1969 book, Causes of Delinquency. Hirschi argued that individuals who have strong attachments to others, are committed to their societal goals, are involved in non-deviant activities, and believe in the social norms and laws are less likely to engage in delinquency or deviance. He broke down these bonds into four main elements:
- Attachment: This refers to how much we care about the opinions of others, like our family, friends, and mentors. If we value these relationships, we’re less likely to engage in behavior that could damage them.
- Commitment: This is about the stakes we have in life’s conventional goals—like getting an education, holding a job, or building a reputation. The more we have to lose, the less likely we are to risk it by breaking the rules.
- Involvement: When we’re busy with conventional activities (think school, work, or hobbies), we simply don’t have time for deviance. It’s the old “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” idea.
- Belief: This is our acceptance of social norms and laws. If we believe the rules are just, we’re more likely to follow them.
The Roots of Social Control Theory
The idea of social control isn’t new—it’s been floating around in various forms for centuries. Early thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and Émile Durkheim touched on similar ideas. Hobbes, for instance, believed that without social order, life would be “nasty, brutish, and short,” and that people submit to authority to avoid chaos. Durkheim, on the other hand, focused on how social integration and regulation are key to maintaining order. However, it was Hirschi who really nailed down the idea with his focus on the bonds that tie individuals to society. His work was a response to earlier theories that tried to explain deviance by looking at the individual’s personality or environment. Hirschi flipped this on its head by suggesting that deviance isn’t so much about why people commit crimes, but why they don’t.
Why Does Social Control Matter?
Understanding social control is crucial because it helps explain the mechanisms that maintain social order. It’s not just about laws and punishments, but about the everyday interactions and relationships that encourage conformity. Think about it: Most of us don’t refrain from stealing because we’re afraid of getting caught, but because we don’t want to disappoint our parents, lose our job, or damage our reputation. These are the subtle forms of control that guide our behavior.
Social control theory also offers insights into why some people do deviate from norms. For instance, individuals who lack strong social bonds—like those who are isolated or disconnected from their community—may be more likely to engage in criminal activity. This has important implications for how we approach crime prevention. Instead of just focusing on punishment, we might also look at how to strengthen community ties, improve education, and create more opportunities for people to get involved in positive activities.
Real-World Examples of Social Control
Let’s bring this down to real life. Consider the way schools operate. They’re not just about teaching math or history—they’re a big part of the social control process. Schools instill discipline, encourage attachment to societal values, and keep kids involved in structured activities. Kids who are more engaged in school, have supportive relationships with teachers, and participate in extracurricular activities are generally less likely to get into trouble.
Another example is the role of family. A strong family bond can be a powerful deterrent against deviant behavior. When parents are involved in their children’s lives, setting expectations and providing guidance, kids are more likely to internalize those values and steer clear of crime.
Then there’s the workplace. Having a job isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s a form of social control. Being employed gives people a sense of purpose and something to lose, which discourages them from engaging in risky behavior. The fear of losing your job, disappointing your boss, or ruining your professional reputation can keep you in line, even when no one’s watching.
Criticisms of Social Control Theory
Of course, no theory is without its critics. Some argue that social control theory oversimplifies the reasons for deviance by focusing too much on social bonds and ignoring other factors like individual psychology or socioeconomic conditions. For instance, not everyone who lacks strong social bonds turns to crime—there are plenty of other factors at play, like poverty, mental health, and opportunity.
Others point out that social control theory assumes everyone has equal access to forming strong social bonds, which isn’t always the case. Structural inequalities, like racism, classism, and sexism, can prevent some people from establishing the kinds of relationships and commitments that discourage deviance. This suggests that while social control is a powerful concept, it’s not the whole story.
Conclusion
Social control theory offers a compelling explanation for why most of us follow the rules most of the time. It’s not just about the fear of punishment—it’s about the relationships, commitments, and beliefs that keep us connected to society. While the theory isn’t perfect and doesn’t account for all the complexities of human behavior, it provides valuable insights into how social order is maintained and how we might go about preventing crime.
Understanding social control is not just an academic exercise—it’s something that can have real-world applications in everything from education to criminal justice. By recognizing the importance of social bonds, we can work towards creating a society where people are more connected, engaged, and less likely to stray into deviant behavior.
References
Hirschi, T. (2002). Causes of Delinquency. Transaction Publishers.
Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (2003). Shared Beginnings, Divergent Lives: Delinquent Boys to Age 70. Harvard University Press.
Pratt, T. C., & Cullen, F. T. (2005). Assessing Macro-Level Predictors and Theories of Crime: A Meta-Analysis. Crime and Justice, 32, 373–450.
Sampson, R. J. (2006). Open Doors Don’t Invite Criminals: Is Increased Immigration Behind the Drop in Crime? New York Times Magazine, 33–35.