Travis Hirschi introduced his social bond theory in 1969 and has remained a fundamental paradigm in criminology ever since. Hirschi argues that all human beings, starting at birth, have the drive to act in aggressive and selfish ways that result in criminal behavior. He contends that these behaviors are part of our human nature and he further notes that most of us can control these “natural” impulses. Hirschi argues that there are four bonds which control our behavior when we are tempted to take part in criminal acts. The bonds are attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
First, attachment is the degree of psychological affection an individual has for institutions and prosocial others, especially, parents and schools. For Hirschi, adolescents who are firmly attached to their schools and parents experience greater social control levels. Second, when it comes to commitment, Hirschi emphasizes the value of the social relationships that individuals value which they do not want to put in jeopardy by engaging in deviant activities. Essentially, individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior when they are aware that they have something to lose.
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Third, involvement relates to the costs of opportunity connected with how individuals spend their time. Hirschi notes that if human beings spend their time taking part in prosocial activities, then they are not wasting their time taking part in antisocial activities because they will be so engrossed in their prosocial activities. Fourth, belief refers to the level in which a person complies with the values affiliated with behaviors that obey the law. The central assumption is that the more critical such values are to an individual, the less likely she or he is likely to take part in deviant acts. In other words, there is a crucial connection between behavior and attitudes. In this regard, prosocial attitudes inhibit individuals from engaging in crimes they otherwise would have if they lacked social bonds, that is, beliefs.
In conclusion, Travis Hirschi’s social bond theory has remained imperative in criminology since 1969. The theory primarily argues that there are four bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief that control our behavior when we are tempted to take part in criminal activities.
