The primary insulator against delinquency is therefore seen as the youth's self-concept itself, while external containment factors serves as reinforcement. On the other hand, excessively negative external factors could also lead to delinquency, despite a positive self-concept in the individual.
Toby, J. (1957). Social Disorganization and stake in Conformity
Toby makes the concept of self and its influence on the likelihood of delinquency even more specific by focusing on the likelihood of the youth to be recruited successfully by gangs. According to Toby, a young person's conventional social connections and commitments is the main element in this likelihood. A lack of such connections, for example, means that the young person does not have much to lose when affiliating with gangs and becoming delinquent. On the other hand, young persons who are connected with conventional social institutions and commitments are less likely to become delinquent gang members. This is what the author refers to as "stakes in conformity," where many such stakes mean that a person is anchored firmly in social convention and therefore unlikely to seek delinquent activities as substitute for the lack of stability.
Hirschi, T. (1969) Causes of Delinquency
Hirschi is considered one of the most important social control theorists of the 20th century as a result of this publication, which created significant...
One of the main premises of Hirschi's version of social control theory is the contrasts between conceptions of culture, the role of ambition, and the role of peers.
Three crucial contrasts involved conceptions of culture, the role of ambition, and the role of peers. The dynamic of these three elements within the individual and externally in his or her social sphere can then be said to encourage or discourage delinquency. This theory is much more complex than the relatively simple theories that evolved up to the time of its publication.
Hirschi, T. (1983) Crime and family policy
In this publication, Hirschi further highlights the social bonds that can act as a buffer against criminal behavior. He also recognizes the effect of family life on the self-control strategies that are internalized in early life. When these are not in place, external factors such as the role of ambition and peers can much more easily encourage delinquency.
These are also factors that can play a role in bullying. While social controls are most likely in place at schools to discourage this type of social abuse, peer groups and, to a degree, ambition can play a role in encouraging it. A young person who bullies another may for example be considered "cool" by his peers, or consider himself as socially much more adept than the target of his bullying.
