2.
This article examines the relationship
between belief in conventional morality and
minor forms of deviant behavior. It argues
that Hirschi’s social control theory offers a
less-powerful explanation of deviance than
cultural deviance perspectives because it
can’t explain why “persons select one deviant
act over another.” (Matsueda, p.428)
3.
Cultural Deviance Theory is defined as having
three parts:
Lower-class culture is mainly responsible for
much of the crime.
Sub-cultures arise in particular areas of the
society.
Geography
4.
Attachment: Emotional closeness to others.
Commitment: High educational and
occupational aspirations.
Involvement:
Homework, work, sports, volunteering, etc.
Belief: Moral validity of law and other norms.
(Lilly, Cullen, Ball, p.116)
5.
The theory is based on the bonds that
juveniles have with each other and society as
a whole. The better the bonds, the less likely
that deviance will occur within the group.
On the other hand if the bonds are
weak, then they will be much more likely to
resort to criminal activity.
6.
So clearly having stable bonds in one’s life is
very important, so long as they’re positive
ones.
Hirschi’s social control theory according to
Matsuada cannot explain “why the strength
of the social bond varies for different persons
and at different times” (Matsuada, p.433).
7.
If a person continues this trend of having
weak bonds with others, it can seriously
deteriorate their ability to make better ones
in the future.
This can be particularly accentuated for kids
who come from broken homes.
8.
Clearly, environment can have a big impact
on an adolescent. If crime is a major factor in
their upbringings, then crime will follow them
in their adult lives.
Without any positive role models to guide
them, these teens may end up on the wrong
side of the criminal justice system.
9. Ross L. Matsueda
Social Forces , Vol. 68, No. 2 (Dec., 1989), pp. 428-45
Richard A. Ball, Francis T. Cullen, J. Robert Lilly.
Criminology Theory 5th Edition (2011), p. 116.
