Discussion Questions for Chapter 10 PDF

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Name: Courtney Smith

Discussion Questions for Chapter 10

Control Theories

CJUS 3600.01

1. What are the specific causes of crime according to control theorists? 

Gottfredson and Hirschi claim that one's level of self-control is determined early in life and is then quite resistant to change. Further, they claim that low self-control is the central cause of crime; other types of control and other causes of crime are said to be unimportant once level of selfcontrol is established.

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Data does indicate that low self-control is an important cause of crime.

2. What is the significance of Matza’s theory of drift? Can you think of different ways in which juveniles may become “drifters”? 

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De v e l o p e di sc a l l e dn e u t r a l i z a t i o nt h e o r yo rDr i f tt h e o r y , a si ti sot he r wi s ekn o wn . Thep r e mi s eof t h et h e o r yi sa c t ua l l yv e r ys i mp l e .I ts t a t e st h a tt h el a wb i n d sj uv e ni l e sb yas e n s eo fmor a l ob l i g a t i o n . J u v e n i l e sc a ne a s i l yb e c o med r i f t e r ’ sd u et ot hel a c ko fs u p p o r to nt h eo u t s i d e .

3. Provide specific examples of what causes low self-control, according to Hirschi and Gottfredson. How would social control theories account for white-collar crime?   

Lack of reinforcement of love and affection from parents or those close to you. Excessive lack of attention to the point where you no longer feel wanted. Low grades in school can cause kids to become uninterested and seek interest elsewhere.

4. How would Hirschi and Gottfredson’s general theory account for white- collar crime?   

link the propensity to commit crime to two latent traits: an impulsive personality and a lack of self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi argue that self-control theory (General Theory of Crime) best explains all crime. No single theory fits all white-collar crimes.

5. How would the general theory of crime account for children reared poorly who exhibited low selfcontrol who did not go on to commit crimes? 

These specific children may have a higher capacity to learn that there is more to life and that things can and will get better....