Control theory (sociology)

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For the psychological theory of animal and human behavior originated by William T. Powers and The Control Systems Group, a non-profit professional organization of individuals involved in research in and applications of PCT , see perceptual control theory.

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Control theory, as an extension to the field of psychoanalysis, postulates human behaviors driven by the therapeutic function of taming the threatening otherness of one’s surroundings. This is accomplished by producing other through one's own self control, resulting in a controlled, and thus non-threatening other.

More commonly known today as Choice Theory, Control Theory, as developed by Walter Reckless in 1973, states that behavior is caused not by outside stimuli, but by what a person wants most at any given time.

Deviant behavior occurs when external controls on behavior are weak. According to control theory, we are inclined to engage in deviant behavior and will do so unless we are controlled by external forces. So, basically, if you have strong social bonds to positive influences, deviant behavior is less likely than some one who has no family or friends.

Control theory stresses how weak bonds between the individuals and society free people to deviate or go against the norms. This is where strong bonds make deviance more costly. Deviant acts appear attractive to individuals but social bonds stop most people from commiting the acts. Deviance is a result from extensive exposure to certain social situations where individuals develop behaviors that attract them to be non conformative with society norms. Social bonds are used in control theory to help individuals from going after these attractive deviations. Social bonds consist of:

Attachments- which are ties to other people. How much the person cares about others and how others view them based on the things they do. Having close attachments with individuals and society stop someone from deviating because they care about what others would think of them, they value their relationship and dont want to risk losing it.
Investments- what we have spent most of our lives building up, which gives us satisfaction, we expect a certain reward from it. Investments work to keep people from deviating because the more investments one has the less likely they will be deviant. Individuals dont want to risk losing what they have spent time building, while someone with little investments will see that they have nothing to lose so the act is more appealing.
Involvements- developing activities that demand time and energy. The more a person spends on activities that conform the norms of society, the less time the individual will have to do deviant acts. Deviance occurs when an individual is not involved in activities and has too much time or their hands; this causes the acts to be more attractive and likely to take place.
Beliefs- how a person should act. The norms the person views as what should happen or what seems right. Beliefs come from how the world works and how it should work. We develop beliefs as a guide for norms on how people should act, including ourselves. Beliefs are conformed by our relationships with others because they expect us to do certain things which stops deviation.

[edit] Control theory as related to crime

Control theory starts with the assumption that humans are neither naturally wicked and prone to crime nor naturally virtuous and prone to conformity. Instead, we appear rational and will turn to crime when the advantages outweigh the idea of conformity.