Explain Travis Hirschi’s social control theory and its relationship to explaining drug usage

What will be an ideal response?


The answer should contain the following points:


  • The social control theory assumes that emotional attachments to peers who use substances is a primary cause of substance abuse.

  • This approach pays specific attention to weak conventional bonds to society and to the instructions and individuals who might otherwise discourage deviant behavior.

  • Deviant impulses that most adolescents share are held in check or controlled by strong bonds to conventional society, families, schools, and religions.

  • Adolescents who do not have such controlling influences will not feel compelled to adhere to convention or to engage in socially acceptable behaviors.

Criminal Justice

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Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

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By what level of proof must the defense show that a photographic identification was suggestive?

A) Beyond a reasonable doubt B) By a preponderance of the evidence C) Probable cause D) Reasonable suspicion

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In order for a suspect’s Miranda rights to be asserted, s/he must:

a. Do nothing; it is the officer’s job to obtain specific consent from the suspect to talk b. Specifically and unequivocally assert the right to remain silent or the right to counsel c. Sit silently d. Ask lots of questions

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Which of the following theories argues that once students are defined as deviant they adopt a deviant role in response to their lowered status?

A) labeling theory B) strain theory C) cultural deviance theory D) social control theory

Criminal Justice