When approaching human social behavior, scholars have generated several theories that propose specific elements of behavioral influences. One of such theories is the Social Bond Theory introduced by Travis Hirschi. The essence of his theoretical approach is that all people are inherently inclined to engage in delinquent behaviors, and particular social bonds constrain or reinforce criminal behaviors. Four essential social bonds, namely attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, are the driving forces of either pro-social or anti-social behavior.
Firstly, attachment is a type of social bond characterized by close relationships with the members of a group to which one belongs. Family is such an attachment source, on which individuals depend and whose influence regulates their decision-making (Zaidi, 2016). The second bond is a belief system through which one’s religious views and values are developed. The strengths of religious beliefs regulate behavior, thus inducing either pro- or anti-social behavior. The third social bond component is involvement in conventional activities, characterized by the regularity of displaying conventional social behaviors as dictated by a group with whom one associates. For example, involvement in education might be a factor for maintaining pro-social behavior and minimizing the risks for delinquency (Zaidi, 2016). Lastly, commitment is the final social bond that characterizes the level of one’s likelihood to follow conventional norms of social behavior. The more individual is committed to lows and norms, the less they are likely to engage in unlawful behaviors.
In conclusion, the Social Bond Theory elements demonstrate that the effect of the factors within individuals’ attachment, beliefs, involvement, and commitment predetermine their behavior in society. The acceptance of law violating behaviors might derive from a person’s belonging to a group where social norms are not followed and are not included in the belief system. The weaker one’s attachment, involvement, and commitment with conventional law-abiding activities, the more likely he or she is to commit crimes.
Reference
Zaidi, A. U., Couture-Carron, A., & Maticka-Tyndale, E. (2016). ‘Should I or should I not’?: An exploration of South Asian youth’s resistance to cultural deviancy. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 21(2), 232-251.