control theory

sociology

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July 16, 2026

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In sociology, control theory examines the links between individuals and their social groups, emphasizing how a person's bond to society influences their ability to resist criminal behavior. This resistance is strengthened by attachments to parents, involvement in conventional activities, and commitment to moral values.1

Social control encompasses the rules and standards of society that guide individual actions through established sanctions and formal mechanisms. Deviance, defined as the violation of social rules, can arise from a state of anomie, or social instability due to a lack of clear norms. Sociological perspectives suggest that deviance is an inevitable part of society, contributing to social change and clarifying norms. Theories like labeling theory propose that societal reactions and labels can shape an individual's behavior and identity.231

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criminology
Sociological theories
Control theory emphasizes the links between the offender and his social group—his bond to society. According to this view, the ability of the individual to resist the inclination to commit crime depends on the strength of his attachment to his parents, his involvement in conventional…
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Control theory emphasizes the links between the offender and his social group—his bond to society. According to this view, the ability of the individual to resist the inclination to commit crime depends on the strength of his attachment to his parents, his involvement in conventional…
Read More