Juvenile Delinquency: Hirschi, Neutralization, and Social Control

Introduction: Why People Do Not Become Criminals

In contrast to the psychological theories of criminality that tended to predominate when he first constructed his social disorganization theory, Travis Hirschi emphasized the sociological role in fostering delinquent behavior. Hirschi argued that rather than asking "why do people become criminals," a more relevant question was "why do people not become criminals." His answer centered on the sense of social bonds and obligations that individuals feel toward others and toward society. Once these barriers break down, people feel little compunction in transgressing them. "Hirschi contended that no motivational factors were necessary for one to become delinquent; the only requirement was the absence of control that allows the individual to be free to weigh the benefits of crime over the costs of those same delinquent acts" (Welch, 1998). This sense of social breakdown was particularly acute in impoverished areas of the country.

Hirschi and Gottfredson: Self-Control Theory

However, in working with Gottfredson, Hirschi substantially reformulated his thesis. His first thesis suggests that by strengthening traditional institutions such as the church and community organizations, social order can be preserved. His larger collaborative work with Gottfredson, however, harkened back to older conceptions of criminal behavior, asserting the need to foster self-control in the individual: "the essential element of criminality is the absence of self-control. Persons with high self-control consider the long-term consequences of their behavior; those with low self-control do not. Such control is learned, usually early in life, and once learned, is highly resistant to change" (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 2011).

Individuals from less affluent backgrounds might be less likely to be taught such self-control, but all individuals, regardless of class, can be raised in an environment that fails to foster it. When a person's natural inclination toward poor self-control is combined with disadvantaged circumstances — though not necessarily so — the result is often criminal behavior.

Matza and Sykes: Neutralization Theory

Matza and Sykes' neutralization theory stresses the intellectual rationalizations that people make to justify criminal behavior, including juveniles from stable homes who lack the traditionally accepted profile of most young offenders. "Neutralization is defined as a technique which allows the person to rationalize or justify a criminal act. There are five techniques of neutralization: denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of victim, condemnation of the condemners, and the appeal to higher loyalties" (David Matza, 1998).

Conclusion

These theories collectively stress the need for strong social and personal control mechanisms to be instilled in young people early in their lives, so that individuals develop a strong capacity to control their actions and resist the rationalizations that enable delinquent behavior. Whether through reinforcing social bonds, building self-control, or countering neutralization techniques, effective prevention requires addressing both the individual and the social environment.