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Social Control Theory Paper

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Underlying Assumption The social control theory developed by Ivan Nye in 1958 discusses how having norms, values and customs prevent juveniles from committing delinquent acts.
Structure of Theory Social control theory has four types of control. The first control is direct, which is treatment that is enforced for disobedient behavior by authority (parent or family member) (Parks 2013). An example of direct is a parent or guardian threaten to take away the juvenile’s video games for fighting a classmate in school. The second control is internal, which a juvenile abstains from any crime (Parks 2013).
A juvenile does not commit a crime because he or she knowns it is not the right thing to do, and the juvenile have seen someone commit a crime that disappointed their family. The third control is indirect, which a juvenile would refrain from committing such act if a family member or authority will be disappointed in his or her actions (Kierkus, Baer 2002). The fourth control is satisfaction. If a juvenile has everything he or she wants in their household, he or she will not commit a delinquent act. The juvenile parent or parents could spoil the child, so they do not need anything.
Strength …show more content…
Weaknesses
The social control theory effects the social bond between the child and parent or guardian in the home. (Collins, Leonard 2015)
Policy Implication The most important policy is broadcasting positive behavior in a home with a juvenile delinquent, monitoring them and being involved in their life (Parks 2013). Going to workshops with the parent and child can help improve the relationship and environment they are living in. Attending program and communicating with counselor can help in delinquent’s

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