Social Control Theory of Juvenile Delinquency

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the Social Control Theory of Juvenile Delinquency. It covers various aspects of the theory, including its key concepts, propositions, and implications for understanding and preventing juvenile delinquency.
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: sociology deviance crime juvenile delinquency social control theory
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

According to the Social Control Theory, what is the primary factor that prevents individuals from engaging in delinquent behavior?

  1. Strong social bonds

  2. Weak social bonds

  3. Low self-control

  4. Lack of opportunities


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory posits that strong social bonds, such as those with family, friends, and school, help to prevent individuals from engaging in delinquent behavior by providing them with a sense of belonging, purpose, and moral guidance.

Which of the following is NOT a type of social bond identified by Travis Hirschi in his Social Control Theory?

  1. Attachment

  2. Commitment

  3. Involvement

  4. Belief


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hirschi's Social Control Theory identifies four types of social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Belief refers to an individual's internalized values and norms, which are not explicitly mentioned in Hirschi's theory.

What is the main proposition of the Social Control Theory?

  1. Individuals with strong social bonds are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

  2. Individuals with weak social bonds are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

  3. Individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

  4. Individuals with lack of opportunities are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main proposition of the Social Control Theory is that individuals with strong social bonds are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior because they have a greater stake in conformity and are more likely to be influenced by the norms and values of their social networks.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that weakens social bonds and increases the likelihood of delinquent behavior, according to the Social Control Theory?

  1. Weak attachment to family and friends

  2. Low commitment to school and work

  3. Lack of involvement in conventional activities

  4. Strong religious beliefs


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory posits that weak attachment to family and friends, low commitment to school and work, and lack of involvement in conventional activities weaken social bonds and increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior. Strong religious beliefs, on the other hand, are generally considered to have a positive influence on behavior and are not typically associated with an increased risk of delinquency.

What is the primary focus of the Social Control Theory in explaining juvenile delinquency?

  1. Individual factors, such as personality traits and cognitive abilities

  2. Social factors, such as family structure and peer influence

  3. Biological factors, such as genetics and brain development

  4. Economic factors, such as poverty and unemployment


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory primarily focuses on social factors, such as family structure, peer influence, and social bonds, in explaining juvenile delinquency. It argues that weak social bonds and a lack of social control increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior.

According to the Social Control Theory, what is the role of self-control in delinquent behavior?

  1. Self-control is the primary cause of delinquent behavior.

  2. Self-control is a moderating factor that influences the impact of social bonds on delinquent behavior.

  3. Self-control is not a relevant factor in the Social Control Theory.

  4. Self-control is the opposite of social control.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory posits that self-control is a moderating factor that influences the impact of social bonds on delinquent behavior. Individuals with strong social bonds and high self-control are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior, while individuals with weak social bonds and low self-control are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

Which of the following is an implication of the Social Control Theory for preventing juvenile delinquency?

  1. Strengthening social bonds and promoting positive peer influence

  2. Increasing opportunities for education and employment

  3. Providing social services to families in need

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory suggests that preventing juvenile delinquency involves strengthening social bonds, promoting positive peer influence, increasing opportunities for education and employment, and providing social services to families in need.

What is the main criticism of the Social Control Theory?

  1. It ignores the role of individual factors, such as personality traits and cognitive abilities, in delinquent behavior.

  2. It overemphasizes the role of social factors and neglects the importance of biological factors.

  3. It is too deterministic and does not allow for the possibility of change.

  4. It is based on outdated research and is no longer relevant to contemporary society.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A common criticism of the Social Control Theory is that it ignores the role of individual factors, such as personality traits and cognitive abilities, in delinquent behavior. Critics argue that the theory is too focused on social factors and does not adequately account for the influence of individual characteristics on delinquent behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Social Control Theory?

  1. Social bonds

  2. Self-control

  3. Opportunity

  4. Social learning


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social learning is not a key concept in the Social Control Theory. The theory primarily focuses on social bonds, self-control, and opportunity as the main factors that influence delinquent behavior.

What is the relationship between social bonds and delinquent behavior, according to the Social Control Theory?

  1. Strong social bonds lead to increased delinquent behavior.

  2. Weak social bonds lead to increased delinquent behavior.

  3. There is no relationship between social bonds and delinquent behavior.

  4. The relationship between social bonds and delinquent behavior depends on individual factors.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory posits that weak social bonds, such as weak attachment to family and friends, low commitment to school and work, and lack of involvement in conventional activities, lead to increased delinquent behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a type of opportunity that can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior, according to the Social Control Theory?

  1. Lack of legitimate opportunities for education and employment

  2. Presence of delinquent peers

  3. Exposure to violence and crime in the neighborhood

  4. Strong social bonds


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Strong social bonds are not a type of opportunity that can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior, according to the Social Control Theory. Rather, strong social bonds are protective factors that help to prevent delinquent behavior.

What is the role of the family in the Social Control Theory?

  1. The family is the primary source of social bonds and moral guidance.

  2. The family is not a significant factor in influencing delinquent behavior.

  3. The family can have both positive and negative influences on delinquent behavior.

  4. The family is solely responsible for preventing delinquent behavior.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory views the family as the primary source of social bonds and moral guidance for children and adolescents. Strong family bonds and positive parenting practices help to prevent delinquent behavior, while weak family bonds and negative parenting practices can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of the Social Control Theory?

  1. It ignores the role of individual factors in delinquent behavior.

  2. It is based on a narrow definition of delinquency.

  3. It does not account for the influence of social change on delinquent behavior.

  4. It is a comprehensive theory that fully explains all aspects of delinquent behavior.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory is not a comprehensive theory that fully explains all aspects of delinquent behavior. It is limited in its focus on social factors and does not adequately account for the influence of individual factors, social change, and other factors that may contribute to delinquent behavior.

What are some of the policy implications of the Social Control Theory?

  1. Strengthening families and promoting positive parenting practices

  2. Providing opportunities for education and employment

  3. Reducing exposure to violence and crime in neighborhoods

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The policy implications of the Social Control Theory include strengthening families and promoting positive parenting practices, providing opportunities for education and employment, reducing exposure to violence and crime in neighborhoods, and implementing other strategies that aim to strengthen social bonds and reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior.

- Hide questions