Social Bond Theory

675 Words3 Pages

Many factors and reasons can explain why it is that juveniles commit certain actions and explain why some of them are delinquent. Due to these actions which are committed by juveniles, there certain theories that can help to identify why they commit these specific actions. Theories such as the control or social bond theory, opportunity theory and the trait theory can help to highlight why it is that these juveniles commit the delinquent actions. Siegel (2012) highlights that the social control or social bond theory, developed in 1969 by Travis Hirschi, states that people have the potential to violate the law and that modern society presents many opportunities for illegal activity. Siegel (2012) also highlights that person break the law due to a breakdown with their societal bond by typical social behaviours. That is to say that individuals who commit deviant acts, …show more content…

They explain how the subculture has an effect on an individual’s upbringing. Due to these cultural transmissions, individuals easily learn criminal roles. Since the theory - delinquency and opportunity helps to show a correlation between the two, then it would imply that the individual must have access to illegitimate means in order for one to become delinquent. The trait theory also highlight why juveniles commit delinquent actions. According to this theory, all persons are aware and fear the sanctioning of the law, but some are unable to control their urges and passion (Siegel, 2012). Siegel (2012) also states that they are broken down in to biological and physiological make-ups. This theory suggests that for the biological make-up of the individual, can determine whether or not they will commit delinquent acts. It also takes account the psychological status of the individual and assess whether or not they will commit delinquent actions in the near