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A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990)

A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990). “OOPS” -Travis Hirschi. The Nature of Crime and Criminals. Criminal Acts… Provide immediate gratification of desires Are risky/thrilling Are easy/simple Require little skill/planning Provide few/meager long term benefits

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A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990)

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  1. A General Theory of CrimeGottfredson and Hirschi (1990) “OOPS” -Travis Hirschi

  2. The Nature of Crime and Criminals Criminal Acts… Provide immediate gratification of desires Are risky/thrilling Are easy/simple Require little skill/planning Provide few/meager long term benefits Result in pain/discomfort to a victim Criminals are therefore… Impulsive Risk-taking Physical (as opposed to mental) Low verbal ability Short-sighted Insensitive

  3. Low Self-Control • The cluster of traits (impulsive, insensitive…) tend to come together in people • They are present before “crime” • They tend to persist through life • Personality? G&H argue against this

  4. Causes of Low Self-Control • We are all born without self-control • Self Control is established in early childhood (age 8) • Causes must be in early childhood • Parents failure to supervise, recognize, punish • Straight from Patterson, but no role for “positive learning” (positive reinforcement) • Biology? Infants might differ on “impulsiveness or verbal ability…but all can be socialized.

  5. Is Gerald Patterson a Control Theorist or a Learning Theorist? • In the field of Psychology = Social Learning • In the field of Criminology? • Most likely a control theorist • Assumption about human nature, “direct controls” • BUT, has elements of learning theory, which Akers notes

  6. Implications of Low Self-Control • The sole cause of crime and “analogous behaviors” • All Crime? • “Analogous Behaviors?” • Explains “stability” of criminality • Low self-control is stable over time • What does this mean for Hirschi’s social bonds?

  7. 2 Explanations From Aker’s Book (Social Selection & Social Causation) Social Bonds Low Self Control Crime Pure Social Selection Poverty, Delinquent Peers, Social Bonds, Poverty Low Self Control Crime

  8. Empirical Support • Tautology Problems • Only if self control inferred from“behavioral measures” (e.g., delinquency) • Confusion over “criminality” and “crime” • Attitudinal measures • I would you rather read a book than engage in physical activities. • I tend to be value the “here and now” and do not like to plan my life.

  9. Empirical Support With Attitudinal Measures • Moderate correlation with delinquency, crime, and “analogous behaviors” • Controlling for low self-control weakens, but doesn’t eliminate “social” causation • In other words, it appears as though low self-control is not the sole cause of crime • Are white collar offenders different from “street” offenders? (Some evidence they are)

  10. Policy Implications • Low self-control stable after age 8 • Only “early prevention” can reduce crime • Train parents, support parents?? • Typical “rehabilitation” won’t reduce crime • Changing “bonds” won’t reduce crime • Early intervention with parents?

  11. REIVEW • Scope? • Parsimony? • Criticisms? • Why do people desist from criminal activity? • Not the “sole” cause of crime • Bonds still more important?

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