Viewpoints on Delinquent Behavior

Running Head : DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR

Explaining Delinquent Behavior : Social Control Theory and Self-Control Theory

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Introduction

Social scientists have been trying to understand the factors contributing to delinquent behavior for a long time . It is important to know what forces in society cause delinquent behavior to limit its occurrence and protect the lives and property of people . Experts have tried to explain delinquent behavior from various standpoints , economic social , and psychological . Some have also tried to bridge the gap between theories of delinquent behavior

. Two commonly cited and tested theories that have emerged from the scientific literature on this are known as Social Control Theory and Self-Control Theory , the first by Travis Hirschi and the second one by Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson . These theories are different from each other even though one of the authors , Hirschi , worked on both them . Each of these theories has their own strengths and weaknesses and this will explain their viewpoints by comparing and contrasting their basic tenets and propositions . Theorists who are associated with each theory will be mentioned along the way , including their opinions on delinquent behavior . It will be shown that Social Control Theory and Self Control Theory are both extremely useful tools in explaining delinquent behavior but each may be applicable to certain cases than the other

One of the most popular theories on delinquent behavior is Social Control Theory which was authored by Travis Hirschi in 1969 . Hirschi is still considered today as one of...