A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi

A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) “OOPS” -Travis Hirschi

The Nature of Crime and Criminals Criminal Acts… Criminals are therefore… Provide immediate gratification of desires Impulsive Are risky/thrilling Risk-taking Are easy/simple Require little skill/planning Physical (as opposed to mental) Low verbal ability Provide few/meager long term benefits Short-sighted Result in pain/discomfort to a victim Insensitive

Low Self-Control • The cluster of traits (impulsive, insensitive…) tend to come together in people • They are present before “crime” • They tend to persist through life • Personality? G&H argue against this

Causes of Low Self-Control • We are all born without self-control – Self Control is established in early childhood (age 8) – Causes must be in early childhood • Parents failure to supervise, recognize, punish – Straight from Patterson, but no role for “positive learning” (positive reinforcement) • Biology? Infants might differ on “impulsiveness or verbal ability…but all can be socialized.

Is Gerald Patterson a Control Theorist or a Learning Theorist? • In the field of Psychology = Social Learning • In the field of Criminology? – Most likely a control theorist • Assumption about human nature, “direct controls” – BUT, has elements of learning theory, which Akers notes

Implications of Low Self-Control • The sole cause of crime and “analogous behaviors” – All Crime? – “Analogous Behaviors? ” • Explains “stability” of criminality – Low self-control is stable over time • What does this mean for Hirschi’s social bonds?

2 Explanations From Aker’s Book (Social Selection & Social Causation) Social Bonds Low Self Control Crime Pure Social Selection Poverty, Delinquent Peers, Social Bonds, Poverty Low Self Control Crime

Empirical Support • Tautology Problems – Only if self control inferred from“behavioral measures” (e. g. , delinquency) – Confusion over “criminality” and “crime” • Attitudinal measures – I would you rather read a book than engage in physical activities. – I tend to be value the “here and now” and do not like to plan my life.

Empirical Support With Attitudinal Measures • Moderate correlation with delinquency, crime, and “analogous behaviors” • Controlling for low self-control weakens, but doesn’t eliminate “social” causation – In other words, it appears as though low selfcontrol is not the sole cause of crime • Are white collar offenders different from “street” offenders? (Some evidence they are)

Policy Implications • Low self-control stable after age 8 – Only “early prevention” can reduce crime – Train parents, support parents? ? • Typical “rehabilitation” won’t reduce crime • Changing “bonds” won’t reduce crime • Early intervention with parents?

REIVEW • Scope? • Parsimony? • Criticisms? – Why do people desist from criminal activity? – Not the “sole” cause of crime – Bonds still more important?