Social Control Theory

Definition of Social Control Theory

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Social Control Theory: Attempts to explain why it is that all of us do not commit crime. Or to put this another way: why are most people law-abiding? The answer lies in dimensions of social control. The many ways in which people are controlled by family, schools, work situations, conscience, etc. Most conventional theories, by contrast try to explain why individuals commit crime.

Social Control Theory: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Social Control Theory. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada