Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice

Bibliographic Data

ID20009299
AuthorsMichael R Gottfredson (0000-0002-5311-0751, University of California, Irvine), Michael Gottfredson (Chancellors Professor of Criminology, Law and Society, and Law, University of California, Irvine), Travis Hirschi (Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Arizona.)
Year2019
Pages296
Publication date2019-10-24
Open AccessYes
TypeBOOK
VenueModern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University PressNew York (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/oso/9780190069797.001.0001
OpenAlexW2981637918
Open LibraryOL29442000M
ISBN9780190069797
LanguageEN
Citations received54
References cited182

Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice updates and extends the authors’ classic general theory of crime (sometimes referred to as “self-control theory”). In Part I, contemporary evidence about the theory is summarized. Research from criminology, psychology, economics, education, and public health substantially supports the lifelong influence of self control as a significant cause of problem behaviors, including delinquency and crime, substance abuse, school problems, many forms of accidents, employment instability, and many poor health outcomes. Contemporary evidence is supportive of the theory’s focus on early socialization for creation of higher levels of self control and other dimensions of the theory, including the roles of self control, age and the generality or versatility of problem behaviors, as well as the connections between self control and later teen and adult problem behaviors. The book provides methodological assessments of research on the theory, contrasting the control theory perspective with other developmental perspectives in criminology. The role of opportunity, the relationship between self and social control theory, and the role of motivation are addressed. In Part II, control theory is taken to be a valid theory and is used to explore the role of criminal sanctions, especially policing and prisons, and policies about immigration, as methods to impact crime. Modern control theory provides an explanation for the general lack of effectiveness of formal, state sanctions on crime and instead provides substantial justification for prevention of delinquency and crime by a focus on childhood. The theory effectively demonstrates the limits of criminal sanctions and the connection between higher levels of self control and positive life-course outcomes

Control (management) · Criminal justice · Criminology · Economic Justice · Political science · Sociology · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Law