Running Head: SOCIAL BONDING THEORY Social Bonding Theory Name Course Instructor Date SOCIAL BONDING THEORY 2 Introduction The concept of social control has been widely used together with criminological theories to attempt not only to attempt to explain why crimes occur but also find ways to deter them (Siegel, 2015). It has been referred to as a process of socialization, especially with regards to how individual behavior is regulated in group relations, besides large macrosocial institutions, including religious, political, and legal systems. One form of social control is social bonding theory. It was developed by Travis Hirschi (Siegel, 2015). This paper explains the social bonding theory, including a description of the theory’s four elements. Also, it provides a discussion of how the social bonding theory influences conformity in America. Finally, a discussion about the relationship between social bonding theory and other sociological schools of crime causation is provided. Explain Travis Hirschi’s social bonding theory The social bonding theory developed by Travis Hirschi states, “human beings behave conventionally due to the power of internalized norms, conscience, and the desire for approval” (Hiemstra, 2013). Consequently, individuals with strong as well as abiding attachments to the conventional society are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors compared to persons with weaker or shallow bonds. Accordingly, Travis Hirschi’s social bonding theory affirms that when social bond formed between an individual and family, friends, and school, for instance, breaks, then he/she becomes free to engage in deviant behaviors (Vito & Maahs, 2015). This implies that the social bond is not the concept behind the social bonding theory, selfcontrol plays a significant role. It has been argued that individuals with sound self-control are less likely to commit crimes. In contrast, a low level of self-control is primarily associated with SOCIAL BONDING THEORY relatively higher levels of deviance and criminality, predominantly notwithstanding the strength or even the weakness of the social bonds (Hill & Pollock, 2015). Nevertheless, Siegel (2015) accentuates that the likelihood to commit crimes substantially declines when a person maintains positive social bonds; hence, prosocial bonds can go a long way in counteracting the impact of low self-control. Describe the four elements of social bonding theory There are four elements of Travis Hirschi’s social bonding theory, such as: • Attachment • Involvement • Commitment • Beliefs Attachment is the first of the four elements, it refers to the typical emotional bond to another person, for instance, between the parent and the child. Every so often, attachment tends to arise from a symbiotic linkage between an individual and his/her family, friends, as well as communal institutions. Hirschi postulated that healthy and stable attachments are critical to adherence to societal norms, which often discourage deviant behaviors (Bouffard & Petkovsek, 2014). In his video, Hiemstra (2013) provides excellent examples of good and bad attachments, and how both can encourage sound or deviant behaviors. The video mainly demonstrates how weak attachment between the father and the son causes the father to be unconcerned about the wishes of others, thereby, the son is inclined to deviate from the father’s social expectations. Hirschi hypothesized that strong and stable attachments encourage individuals to contemplate 3 SOCIAL BONDING THEORY 4 their decisions; hence, increasing the chances that he/she will avoid deviant behaviors (Vito & Maahs, 2015). Involvement is the second element of Hirschi’s social bonding theory. It’s the actual time spent on socially approved activities, such as hanging out with prosocial friends, engaging in school activities and sports. This element helps reduce the likelihood of a deviant behavior by reducing the amount of time available for deviance (Cecen-Celik & Keith, 2016). Good involvement achieved by engaging a person in approved activities or conventional endeavors helps ensure that he or she doesn’t find time to spend on deviant behaviors and activities such as drug abuse. For example, unemployed persons are more likely to abuse drugs than the employed. Hirschi highlighted that parents involved in the lives of their children foster discipline and regiment that inspire a resolve to resist deviance (Hiemstra, 2013). Commitment is another crucial construct associated with Hirschi’s social bonding theory. It ascribes to the investment that one makes to the society, and social activities or institutions (Hill & Pollock, 2015). Hirschi affirmed that the premise behind commitment construct is the relationship between the level of commitment and the propensity for deviance. Mostly, individuals who invest their time, energy, and other resources into conforming to social norms is deemed less likely to deviate compared to someone who hasn’t. Cecen-Celik and Keith (2016) recommend moderate investment as opposed to heavy commitment. Deviant behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse appear less appealing to persons with firm commitments (Hiemstra, 2013). Hirschi's last element of social bonding theory is one’s level of belief. This approach emphasizes that the degree of belief in the moral validity of shared societal or social values espoused as norms significantly influence one’s motivation to deviate. Hirschi postulated that individuals with strong believe in values espoused as norms are often less likely to engage in SOCIAL BONDING THEORY 5 delinquent behaviors. Essentially, that the probability of deviance significantly declines with enhanced adherence to the belief and guidelines associated with sound behavior (Hill & Pollock, 2015). The respect that one has for authorities can also affect the propensity to commit crimes; disrespect translates to deviance. Discuss how the social bonding theory affects conformity in America Conformity mostly refers to yielding to group pressures, and it happens when a person is willing to change his/her beliefs or behaviors so as to fit in with the group (Cecen-Celik & Keith, 2016). Social bonding theory affects conformity in America since both are founded on belief and commitment; people join and conform to peer groups when they develop a level of belief that complies with the group’s shared social values that are often espoused as norms. Individuals commit to their groups that they associate themselves with by investing their time, energy, and other resources into conforming to social norms (Bouffard & Petkovsek, 2014). Therefore, belief in and commitment to approved norms and behaviors can play a significant role in minimizing one’s likelihood to be deviant. In America, individuals who do not conform to any group norms or values are more likely to be delinquent. Similarly, conformity to the values and norms of criminal gangs contribute a lot to deviance (Vito & Maahs, 2015). Discuss the relationship between social bonding theory and the various sociological schools of crime causation. Sociological schools of crime causation incorporate sociological theories of criminology that affirm that society creates conditions that allow people to commit crimes. Theorists associated with schools of thought have posited that social processes like education, family life, and peer relations, and interpersonal relationships have a huge impact on criminal activity SOCIAL BONDING THEORY 6 (Siegel, 2015). Therefore, there is a strong correlation between social bonding theory and the various sociological schools of crime causation since the former emphasizes four elements, such as attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief, which form the basis for the latter (Hill & Pollock, 2015). For example, the sociological schools of crime causation emphasize that involvement and commitment to approved social processes and institutions, besides belief in socially accepted norms, values, and institutions play a significant role when it comes to reducing the probability that one will develop deviant behaviors. It goes without mentioning that the classical school of crime causation emphasize the use of harsh punishments and penalties to deter crimes, and thus, this encourages attachment to socially accepted norms. Attachment is an essential element of the social bonding theory (Vito & Maahs, 2015). Conclusion Evidently, Travis Hirschi's social bonding theory can be used to explain why crimes occur, especially by considering the four elements associated with the theory. Attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief are the factors that form the basis for Hirschi’s argument that there are some factors beyond punishment that are responsible for conformity. It’s interesting to note that conformity in the America is based on these factors. SOCIAL BONDING THEORY 7 References Bouffard, J. A., & Petkovsek, M. A. (2014). Testing Hirschi's integration of social control and rational choice: are bonds considered in offender decisions? Journal of Crime and Justice, 37(3), 285-308. Cecen-Celik, H., & Keith, S. (2016). Analyzing predictors of bullying victimization with routine activity and social bond perspectives. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 0886260516672941. Hiemstra, A. (2013). The Social Bond Theory (Crim 105). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs9AaITvt3I Hill, M. C., & Pollock, W. (2015). Was Hirschi Right? A national-level longitudinal examination of religion as a social bond. Deviant Behavior, 36(10), 783-806. Siegel, L. J. (2015). Criminology theories, patterns, and typologies. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Vito, G. F., & Maahs, J. R. (2015). Criminology. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
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