Hirschi illustrates the social control theory that mankind at birth possesses hedonistic drives for selfish and aggressive actions culminating in crime (Hirschi, 1969, 57). He further explains that this is innate human nature and more importantly, many control these natural urges (Hirschi, 1969, 57). Hirschi’s hypothesis is based on bonds that people form. These include attachment, commitment, involvement and belief (Hirschi, 1969, 58). These social bonds construct themselves in a way that controls man’s behavior. The general theory of crime is argued to be directly tied to an individual’s level of self-control ( Gottfredson & Hirschi 1990 ). Persons with low self-control are unable to control their immediate satisfaction and thus prone to succumb to urges of committing a crime ( Gottfredson & Hirschi 1990 ). Those with high self-esteem tend to restrain based on future expectations.
Both theories are argued as being naturally inborn and emphasize human behavior (Hirschi, 1969, 57). The social control theory’s social bonds and general theory’s self-control aspects are constructed by the society to control behavior, and actions of crime are solely due to their disregard. These theories also share the desire to seek that which is good selfishly and the nature of human growth based on ecological factors and upbringing. Hirschi, (1969:58) also argues that Social bonds institute behavior that individuals don’t wish to jeopardize, thus not engaging in crime. This is similar to general theory as individuals with high self-control pursue lasting rewards that inhibit criminal acts ( Gottfredson & Hirschi 1990 ).
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The differences between these theories are in the social bonds and self-control aspects. While social relationships are constructed by the society (Hirschi, 1969:58), self-control aspects are constructed by the individual based on survival instincts and measure of self-esteem. Self-esteem is pointed out as a source of crime if it is low in the process of early growth ( Gottfredson & Hirschi 1990 ).
References
Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime . Stanford University Press.
Hirschi, Travis. 1969. “Key Idea: Hirschi’s Social Bond/Social Control Theory.” Pp. (55-69) In Key Ideas in Criminology and Criminal Justice, edited by T. C. Pratt, J. M. Gau, and T. W. Franklin. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
