Hirschi and Gottfredson (1993) replied to Akers' argument by suggesting it was actually an indication of the consistency of the General Theory. By not deliberately operationalizing self-control traits and criminal behavior or criminal acts individually, it suggests that the concepts of low self-control and propensity for criminal behavior are one and the same. In addition, the criminal spin theory claims that such a process that leads to a state of reduced self-control can be seen in individuals, groups (e.g., group rape ) of even larger social entities (e.g., local communities ).Īkers (1991) argued that a major weakness of this new theory was that Gottfredson and Hirschi did not define self-control and the tendency toward criminal behavior separately. This process can be acute, a one-time only that is not typical to the individual, or it can develop into a chronic state, in which participation in criminal activities becomes central to the individual life. chronic low self-control Ĭontrary to the general theory of crime that presents low self-control as a characteristic of an individual that influences one's behavior, the criminal spin theory presents the reduction of self-control as a phenomenological process. More recent psychological research has retained a notion of self-control as referring to an individual's decision or ability to delay immediate gratification of desires in order to reach larger alternative goals. However, in the process of growing up, the individual learns the necessity of enduring pain and delaying gratification because of the obstacles created by the realities of life. ![]() The pleasure principle drives an individual to look for pleasure and to avoid pain. Respectively, these refer to the desire for immediate gratification and the delay of gratification. It is essentially the extent to which different people are vulnerable to the temptations of the moment.įreud (1911, 1959) established a foundation for the concept of self-control with his "pleasure-principle" and "reality-principle". In addition, criminal acts are often markedly non-controlled they are both opportunistic and short-sighted. Individual self-control improves with age as a result of many factors: changing biology through hormonal development, socialization and increasing opportunity costs of losing control. Based on the empirical observation of the connection between criminal behavior and age, Hirschi and Gottfredson theorized the an important factor behind crime is individual lack of self-control. Springing from interest in bonding theory, Hirschi-in co-operation with Gottfredson-has developed the "General Theory of Crime" or self-control theory from 1990 onward.
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