Travis Hirschi's influential work in criminology is explored through a comprehensive examination of his life and the evolution of his theories. The book is organized into four parts, addressing methodological issues, causes of crime and delinquency, a general theory of crime, and critiques of existing theories. It includes key essays coauthored with notable scholars and reflects on Hirschi's social control theory, emphasizing the relationship between research methodology and substantive concerns. John Laub's introduction provides context with insights from an interview with Hirschi.
In 1990 when Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi published A General Theory of Crime, now often referred to as self control theory, it quickly became among the most discussed and researched perspectives in criminology. In Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice , Gottfredson and Hirschi develop and extend the theory of self control advanced in their classic work. Focusing on the methodology of testing crime theory and measuring behavioral research on crime and delinquency, they critically review the evidence about self control theory. Gottfredson and Hirschi further discuss evidence about the positive consequences of higher levels of self control from education, economics, and public health, that-along with evidence from delinquency and crime-show substantial support for the theory of self control. Illustrating the theory through predictions about policing, incarceration, juvenile justice, and the connection of immigration policy to crime, this book connectsself control theory to the structure and function of the criminal justice system, then applies the theory to pressing issues of public policy about delinquency and crime.
Hirschi explores the concept of delinquency through the lens of social control theory, positing that delinquents lack the personal attachments and moral beliefs that typically keep individuals law-abiding. He critiques alternative theories, such as strain and cultural deviance, using extensive data from Western Contra Costa County, California. By outlining the strengths and weaknesses of these theories, he emphasizes the importance of social bonds in preventing delinquency. This influential work remains essential for scholars and students in sociology and criminology.
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Though the two traditions are considered incompatible, this book brings
classical and modern criminology together by requiring that their conceptions
be consistent with each other and with the results of research.
