1. A General Theory of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990)
“OOPS” -Travis Hirschi

2. The Nature of Crime and Criminals
Criminal Acts…
Provide immediate gratification
of desires
Are risky/thrilling
Are easy/simple
Require little skill/planning
Provide few/meager long term
benefits
Result in pain/discomfort to a
victim
Criminals are therefore…
Impulsive
Risk-taking
Physical (as opposed to mental)
Low verbal ability
Short-sighted
Insensitive

3. Low Self-Control
The cluster of traits (impulsive, insensitive…) tend to come together in people
They are present before “crime”
They tend to persist through life
Personality? G&H argue against this

4. Causes of Low Self-Control
We are all born without self-control
Self Control is established in early childhood (age 8)
Causes must be in early childhood
Parents failure to supervise, recognize, punish
Straight from Patterson, but no role for “positive learning” (positive reinforcement)
Biology? Infants might differ on “impulsiveness or verbal ability…but all can be socialized.

5. Implications of Low Self-Control
The sole cause of crime and “analogous behaviors”
All Crime?
“Analogous Behaviors?”
Explains “stability” of criminality
Low self-control is stable over time
What does this mean for Hirschi’s social bonds?

6. 2 Explanations From Aker’s Book (Social Selection & Social Causation)
Social Bonds
Low Self Control Crime
Pure Social Selection
Poverty, Delinquent Peers,
Social Bonds, Poverty
Low Self Control Crime

7. Empirical Support Tautology Problems Attitudinal measures
Only if self control inferred from“behavioral measures” (e.g., delinquency)
Confusion over “criminality” and “crime”
Attitudinal measures
I would you rather read a book than engage in physical activities.
I tend to be value the “here and now” and do not like to plan my life.

8. Empirical Support With Attitudinal Measures
Moderate correlation with delinquency, crime, and “analogous behaviors”
Controlling for low self-control weakens, but doesn’t eliminate “social” causation
In other words, it appears as though low self-control is not the sole cause of crime
Are white collar offenders different from “street” offenders? (Some evidence they are)

9. Policy Implications Low self-control stable after age 8
Only “early prevention” can reduce crime
Train parents, support parents??
Typical “rehabilitation” won’t reduce crime
Changing “bonds” won’t reduce crime
Early intervention with parents?

10. REIVEW Scope? Parsimony? Criticisms?
Why do people desist from criminal activity?
Not the “sole” cause of crime
Bonds still more important?