Control Theories

Control theories of crime

Control theories in criminology try to explain why most people do not commit crime, instead of focusing only on why some people do. The answer lies in different forms of control that influence us.

An important part of control theory is social bonds, that is, our relationships to other people and to society. This can involve family, friends, school, work, or the local community. These bonds make us care about what others think and about what we risk losing. For example, a person may refrain from committing crime in order not to lose their job, damage their relationships, or get into trouble with the law. If these social bonds are weak or broken, the risk that the person commits crime increases.

Control can be divided into two types:

• Official control, which includes laws and rules that institutions such as the police and the courts make sure people follow.
• Unofficial control, which includes unwritten rules and values in society. Individuals follow norms because breaking them can lead to shame or criticism from the people around them.

Control theory also assumes that all people have needs and wishes that they want to satisfy. Sometimes crime can be one way of reaching those goals. But strong social control can keep us from choosing that path.

People with low self-control have greater difficulty resisting impulses and take greater risks, which makes them more likely to commit crime. Factors such as alcohol can also reduce self-control and make it easier for people to commit crime. Upbringing and socialization therefore play a major role because they teach us to control our impulses and follow rules.

According to control theory, crime can be prevented by strengthening people's social bonds. This means, for example, investing in:

• a secure family
• a functioning school
• work and stable support
• an active local community

It is especially important to support young people who are at risk of being excluded, for example through education and help entering the labor market. The stronger connection a person has to society, the less likely it is that they will commit crime.