Identify the four elements of social bond according to Travis Hirschi’s theory. Provide examples of each type of bond. Finally, consider the policy implications of this theory—how might society work to strengthen each of the four bonds?

What will be an ideal response?


Attachment refers to a bond to others (such as family and peers) and important institutions (such as churches and schools). Weak attachment to parents and family may impair personality development, while poor relationships with the school are viewed as particularly instrumental in delinquency. Commitment involves the degree to which an individual maintains a vested interest in the social and economic system. If an individual has much to lose in terms of status, job, and community standing, he or she is less likely to violate the law. Adults, for instance, have many more such commitments than juveniles do. Involvement entails engagement in legitimate social and recreational activities that either leaves too little time to get into trouble or binds one’s status to yet other important groups whose esteem one wishes to maintain. Finally, belief in the conventional norms and value system and the law acts as a bond to society. Like Reckless’s containment theory and Matza’s delinquency and drift, Hirschi’s social bond theory combines elements of determinism and free will; individual choice still enters the equation.

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Overall, evidence does not suggest that juries are either significantly more or significantly less likely than judges to acquit white collar crime defendants

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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Which of the following is a risk factor contributing to increased chance of child maltreatment?

a. children older than six years of age b. nonbiological, transient caregivers in the home c. outgoing personality d. community passion

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Answer the following statement(s) true (T) or false (F)

1. Female juvenile offenders in the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative group were significantly less likely than nonparticipants to achieve housing independence at the 15-month interview. 2. The Guiding Responsibility and Expectations for Adolescents for Today and Tomorrow program was created to promote nonviolence among juveniles and participate in 20 weekly sessions involving a social cognitive, problem-solving curriculum. 3. Evidence-based programs effectiveness have been demonstrated through empirical research. 4. CASASTART is a community-based program meant to decrease substance abuse and delinquent behaviors and promote school attendance and performance in children ages 10–21. 5. The program All Stars tries to prevent risky behaviors, such as premature sexual activity, violence, and substance abuse, among juveniles ages 11–15?

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How many agencies are found in the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?

a. 12 b. 15 c. 17 d. 22

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