The Self Control Theory also known as General Theory of Crime is defined as lack of individual self-control as the main factor behind criminal behavior. Michael Gottfredson, in collaboration with Hirschi formed the theory in 1990. The theory was built on classical or rational choice perspective. The men suggested that those who have low-self control will be more likely to commit crimes and act in deviant ways, but individuals with high self-esteem were less likely to be involved in deviant behaviors. With low-self control an individual has less control of deviant desires, self-control prevents less involvement in criminal behavior.
Individuals with low self-control tend to be impulsive and risk-takers. These individuals normally do not think before they act. They often do not perceive the possible consequences of their actions. “If a person has 10% less self-control than another, this person is 2.27% more likely to behave antisocially, or to deviate that much more from social expectations” (Low Self-Control As a Source of Crime). The question is why do some develop low self-control and others do not? Gottfredson and Hirschi proposed that self-control is acquired early in life.”It develops by the end of childhood and is fostered through parental emotional investment in the child, monitoring the child’s behavior, recognizing deviance when it occurs, and punishing the child” (The General Theory of Crime). Central to Gottfredson and Hirschi’s thesis is the belief that a well-developed social bond along with parental bonds will result in the effective development of a child’s self-control. The parents should be heavily involved in their child’s life, monitoring behavior, always being aware of the child’s actions (The General Theory of Crime). Recognizing deviance is not making excuses for the deviant behavior. Once the parent has recognized the behavior they need to correct it (Development of Self-Control).
Since Gottfredson and Hirschi published their General Theory in 1990 the theory has been tested on more than a million subject. There have been many attempts to test the general theory of crime. The the theory makes several assumptions that contradict what has been previously accepted as basic fact. Therefore, it is virtually impossible for a single investigation to address all aspects of the theory. There are three main important factors that support the self control theory. Which include gender, race, and outside influences.
Gender is the strongest main factor when predicting criminal behaviors and criminal activity when self-control is constant. Gender has a significant impact on prediction of criminal, deviant, and risk-taking behaviors. However, gender does not have a strong predictive power in explaining the involvement in deviance and risk-taking behaviors. What gender acts in more deviant ways or more likely to commit a crime? Close to double the amount of males reported high levels of involvement in criminal, deviant, and risk taking behaviors. Studies have shown that females with the same self-control rate as males report lower criminal involvement. There has been many observations with gender-homogenous populations, most of them with males. In the male only studies, the effect of a 10% reduction in self control on deviance. But in the female only studies, it is significant as well. This evidence supports the main claim of the General Theory (Lower Self-Control As a Source of Crime).
Race is another factor to support the Self Control Theory. There is a expectation that there will be a significant difference in self-control between African Americans and other races. “The deviance of African Americans is significantly more sensitive to self-control”(Lower Self Control As a Source of Crime). Studies show that African Americans struggle with self-control. The results were completely opposite for Caucasians. Studies showed that African Americans seem to argue too much, have difficulty concentrating, restlessness, demands a lot of attention, and is not apologetic after misbehaving (Self-Control Theory : an Exploration of Racial Disparities in Offending). This supports the expectations that many people have on African Americans. Gottfredson and Hirschi predicted that there would be racial differences in self-control and offending.
The third factor related to low self-control can be affected by outside influences, alcohol, drugs, and peer pressure. Such influences can affect one's self-esteem and cause chemical imbalances to break down restrain. The behaviors of substance abuse reflect low self-control. Therefore the variables need to be accounted for to show the meaning associations between self-control and crime/deviance. There is evidence that proves African Americans will consume more amounts of drugs and alcohol than other races. They will use them farther into their life span and will suffer more socially from the use of them (Self-control theory : an Exploration of Racial Disparities in Offending).
There are other influences that can contribute to low self control. One finding was that married people tend to have more self-control than divorced or separated people. Single people tend to have less control because they do not have a significant other to help monitor bad or deviant behavior (Self-control and Crime/Deviance: Cognitive vs. Behavioral Measure).” Another significant finding is one’s health seems to reflect the theorists’ notion of self-control, some might think that ‘‘bucking up’’ and not taking medication for minor illness is more indicative of self-control than is medicating oneself (Self-control and Crime/Deviance: Cognitive vs. Behavioral Measures). “Lastly, causing accidents and personal injury may easily indicate weak self-control, but being involved in some accidents may be entirely unavoidable (such as being hit in the rear while stopped at a traffic light). Gottfredson and Hirschi would probably argue that people with weak self-control are more likely to get themselves in situations where accidents are more likely (Self-control and Crime/Deviance: Cognitive vs. Behavioral Measures).
I believe there is a way to help decrease or prevent crime. That would be making sure every child has self-control engraved in them by the age of 10 years old. Gottfredson and Hirschi made it clear if a child does not have any self-control by the age of 10 than it is harder to gain control over their emotions as a pre-teen. There are a few ways that we can ensure every child knows about self-control. One way is to start mandatory classes for children in first grade through fourth grade. This class can be for 30 minutes everyday. The class should work with children on how to have high self esteem and self-control. Another way to ensure young children have self-control is informing the parents. There are many young parents that do not know how to teach their children about important lessons, such as self-control. The community centers around the country should offer educational classes that teach important lessons of cause and effect of losing your control.
The issue of self-control in the United States makes me think about what other countries do to prevent the issue. Did you know Switzerland makes it mandatory for males to join the military? It has been voted for the third time in almost 25 years to make the army mandatory. The military helps gain self esteem and confidence. It also helps with self-control. What if the United States adopted this rule? I believe many Americans would have more self-control and self confidence. This would help decrease and prevent criminal behavior and deviant acts.
The Self-Control Theory is a legalitment theory, it is easy to understand and reliable information. I agree with Gottfredson and Hirschi about individuals with low self esteem. Statistical they tend to engage in committing crimes and act in deviant ways more often. I also agree that if a child is not taught at a young age about self-control it will be very hard to engrave it in them later on in life.Gender, race, and other influences also play a part in an individual ability to learn self-control. We know males struggle more with self-control than females. We also seen how African Americans do not have as much self-control as other races. Lastly, we seen how many other influences play a huge effect in self-control. All these factors tie in to the main concept of the General Theory of Crime.