Travis Hirschi has been one of the most influential criminal theorists over the last 25 years. He asserts that there are four social bonds that can deter or encourage individuals to commit crime. What are those bonds, and which of the four do you believe is most lacking among at-risk juveniles today? Why?
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The social bonds are;
-commitment
-attachment
-involvement
-common value system
The at-risk juveniles are lacking attachment. The juveniles do not get adequate time to interact with their parents.
The social bonds are;
-commitment-Travis Hirschi developed the Social Bonds theory. The theory explains the influence of social bonds on deviant behavior. The commitment element of the theory evaluates how individual effort towards certain values and activities can contribute to or reduce deviant behavior. An individual who is committed to the positive values in the society is less likely to engage in crime. Commitment to deviant values would however increase crime rates.
-attachment-indicates indicates the level of relationship to the parents, peer and relatives. Close attachment would reduce deviant behavior whereas lack of attachment contributes to more crimes especially among the juveniles.
-involvement -involvement indicates the level of participation in deviant or other activities in the society.The involvement creates influence that can result in criminal behavior.For example, involvement in gang activities.
-common value system-people in a given society conforms to certain values or rules based on cultural beliefs and morals. The individuals who fail to conform to the societal values are likely to commit crimes. Conformance to the values will therefore reduce deviance behavior.
Juveniles are the minor or children below 18 years of age. Based on the social bonds theory, the at-risk juveniles are lacking attachment. The juveniles do not get adequate time to interact with their parents or family members. The modern world have created many challenges to the children because both parents can be engaged in employment activities. Lack of attachment have contributed to the increase in juvenile crimes.
Reference;
https://www.thoughtco.com/sociological-explanations-of-deviant-behavior-3026269