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ATTACHMENT 

  • FAMILY 

  • FRIENDS

  • COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT 

  • SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

  • SPORTS TEAMS

  • SOCIAL CLUBS

BELIEF

  • HONESTY

  • MORALITY

  • RESPONSIBILITY

  • FAIRNESS

COMMITMENT

  • FUTURE

  • CAREER 

  • SUCCESS 

  • PERSONAL GOALS

CONFORMING BEHAVIOUR

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR

The form of social control theory that was established by Travis Hirschi in his study of “Causes of Delinquency” (1969) has been publicised to be a classic model of social research. It was his belief that in early childhood many youths form a bond to society which prevents some of them from becoming involved with delinquency while others who fail to form a bond become delinquent. Hirschi's theory was strongly supported by the research he conducted.

According to Hirschi (1969) model there are several dimensions to the social bond:

 

 

(1) Attachment

 

Describes the social and emotional ties with others that embody normative expectations, we see this through our relationships with our family and friends and how we as individuals can become attached to our environment/ Community.

(2) Commitment

 

Involves our investment of time, energy, and self in a certain line of activity with deviation from that activity being a rational calculation of the consequences. With commitment we are able to set goals for the future exploring future career options and setting a level of success through personal goals.

(3) Belief or Faith

 

In some legitimate value system within society from which the deviant violates' (Berends 1995). To summarize, the more involved a person is with conventional society and the more committed that person becomes, the more attached they become with others, ultimately feeling a sense of responsibility. This accountability then discourages deviance.

(4) Involvement

 

the engrossment in conventional activities, many young adults find fulfilment in participating in team sports and activities throughout their time in school because it gives them an opportunity to socialize and connect with their peers. It is this bonding that helps teenagers find more enjoyment from school, which can lead to better performance academically.

HIRSCHI'S SOCIAL CONTROL THEORY

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