Self-Control and Crime: Beyond Gottfredson and Hirschi's Theory

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Gottfredson & Hirschi's (1990) Self-Control Theory (SCT) has been the dominant framework for understanding self-control and crime for decades.
• The current conceptualization and causal model within SCT present limitations for integrative scholarship in criminology.
• Existing research often overlooks the nuanced and dynamic aspects of self-control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically assess the current state of knowledge on self-control in relation to crime.
• To advocate for moving beyond the limitations of SCT by proposing a more comprehensive framework.
• To clarify the definition and nature of self-control, incorporating trait and state variability.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review drawing on scholarship from criminology and related fields.
• Conceptual analysis to redefine self-control beyond the narrow scope of SCT.
• Examination of the interplay between individual, situational, and contextual factors influencing self-control.

Main Results:

• Self-control is a malleable trait with significant situational variability (state self-control).
• Multiple factors, including impulse strength and control efforts, influence self-control in relation to crime.
• SCT's premise that self-control ability alone is sufficient for explanation is challenged.

Conclusions:

• A more integrative and nuanced understanding of self-control is necessary for advancing criminological research.
• Future research should explore the contingencies and dynamic interplay of factors affecting self-control.
• Moving beyond SCT offers a springboard for novel theoretical development and empirical investigation.