Legal Definitions - control theory

Control theory is a sociological and criminological perspective that proposes individuals are naturally inclined to engage in deviant or criminal behavior unless certain social controls are in place to prevent them. Rather than asking why people commit crimes, control theory asks why people *don't* commit crimes. It suggests that conformity is maintained by various internal and external bonds that connect individuals to society, such as a commitment to conventional activities, a strong moral compass, or attachments to family and community.

Here are some examples illustrating control theory:

• Imagine a successful small business owner who is struggling financially due to an unexpected economic downturn. They are presented with an opportunity to commit tax fraud that could significantly ease their financial burden. However, they choose not to. This decision aligns with control theory because the owner has a strong investment in their legitimate business, their reputation within the community, and their family's respect. The potential loss of these valuable social bonds, the shame of being caught, and the disruption to their conventional life act as powerful controls, preventing them from engaging in the illegal act.

• Consider a high school student who is part of a close-knit group of friends, excels in sports, and has supportive parents. This student is occasionally exposed to peer pressure to shoplift from a local store. Despite the temptation, they consistently refuse to participate. According to control theory, the student's strong attachments to their friends and family, their commitment to their athletic achievements, and their belief in the rules of their school and community serve as social controls. The fear of disappointing their loved ones, losing their place on the team, or damaging their reputation outweighs the thrill of deviance.

• Think about an individual who finds a lost wallet containing a significant amount of cash and identification. Although they could easily keep the money without anyone knowing, they choose to contact the owner and return the wallet intact. This behavior can be explained by control theory through the individual's strong internal moral beliefs. Their personal conviction that stealing is wrong, coupled with a sense of empathy and a desire to act ethically, functions as an internal social control, guiding their actions towards honesty and preventing them from succumbing to the temptation of illicit gain.