Social Control Theory Research Articles

Exclusive Spaces - How Gated Communities in Bogotá Threaten Democratic Access and Security for All in the Streets Outside the Gates

ABSTRACT Gated communities house 40% of Bogotá’s population today. Streets formed when two gated communities face each other, dominated by fences and walls are a common sight. Situating our research on informal social control and critical security theories, we analyse how gated communities shape non-exclusionary access and security in the streets and public spaces outside the gates. Applying systematic observations and interviews in streets outside gated communities in Bogotá, we collect data from all public space users. We show that in these spaces, the passer-by is perceived as a threat and hence not welcomed. We find that gated communities are redistributing access and security not just inside but also outside the gates, serving the needs of some, while dismissing the collective interest of inclusive and secure public spaces for all and hence are a threat to the democratic nature of cities.

The Overstated Challenge: Analysing the Challenge of Southern Criminology to the Hegemony of Northern Criminology and its Implications for Criminological Theory in the 21st Century

In an era marked by the escalating globalisation of crime, the import of Southern criminology has progressively transitioned from a marginalised field to a central focus in research.[1] This transition presents theoretical challenges to criminology in the Northern Hemisphere.[2] This essay posits that while Southern criminology challenges Northern criminology’s hegemony, these challenges are ultimately overstated. Recognising and addressing these challenges is imperative for improving the epistemological framework and theoretical contributions of criminology, thereby equipping it to confront 21st-century criminal phenomena more effectively. [1] Matthews, Roger. “False Starts, Wrong Turns and Dead Ends: Reflections on Recent Developments in Criminology.” Critical Criminology 25, no. 4 (2017): 577-591. [2] Greenberg, David F. “The Weak Strength of Social Control Theory.” Crime & Delinquency 45, no. 1 (1999): 66–81.

Exploring Factors Related to the Process of Desistance from Crime: A Qualitative Study of Females in the UK

ABSTRACT Less is known about the process of desistance from crime for females within the criminal justice system. The current study explored the views and experiences in a sample of adult female offenders in the UK. Ten women took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified: Skills and Attributes; Support; Purpose in Life; Risk Factors; and Consequences. The findings provide support for existing theories of desistance including cognitive transformation theory, social control and identity theory of desistance. The findings add to the growing evidence in the field of desistance from crime in female offenders.

Contribution of Biometric Fingerprint in Reducing Prevalence of Unauthorized Absenteeism among Employees in Public Organizations in Moshi Municipality

This study investigated the contribution of biometric fingerprint technology in reducing unauthorized absences among employees in public organizations within Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Grounded in the Social Control Theory, the research utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. The target population consisted of 3,218 public employees from 45 organizations, with a sample of 356 respondents. The study collected qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring validity and reliability through content, face validity, and Cronbach's alpha. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data underwent context analysis. Ethical guidelines were strictly adhered to. The findings revealed that public servants in Moshi Municipality perceived biometric fingerprint technology as a reliable solution for addressing unauthorized absences in the workplace. Implementation of this biometric has created a secure and accountable work environment. The study concludes that the use of biometric fingerprint technology has positive contributions to attendance management, accountability, and productivity of public organization employees. Further, it was recommended that public organizations prioritize clear communication with employees about the purpose, benefits, and safeguards of biometric fingerprint technology. Additionally, further research is suggested to explore the challenges faced by employees in utilizing this technology, with the aim of contributing to the existing knowledge base on biometric fingerprints in public organizations.

Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) Instrument: Structural and Concurrent Validity

AbstractSchool bonding refers to the connections that students have with their schools and with various aspects of their academic environments, with an emphasis on close affective relationships and investment in doing well at school. The Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) instrument is a 10-item, self-report instrument with 3 subscales measuring different aspects of student school bonding: attachment; involvement; and belief. The instrument is grounded in Hirschi’s theory of social control and was evaluated for structural and concurrent validity in a sample of 3,507 students from mixed ethnicity, gender, and age groups. The 3-factor structure of the scale was supported; differences across gender and ethnic groups were identified; and some subscale scores related inversely to chronic school absenteeism. The brevity and sensitivity of the PSSB may make it particularly useful as a universal screening measure in multi-tiered systems of support models.

Exploring causes of bullying among grade eight and nine learners in a South African education district

Bullying is a social phenomenon that has become a complex problem worldwide due to the complications that arise from its persistence among school-going adolescents. This study explored the causes of bullying among grades 8 and 9 in one secondary school in Amatole East District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This qualitative study employed constructivist paradigm and a case study design. It utilised interviews to elicit data from 15 purposefully sampled participants. This study was informed by Travis Hirschi's 1968 Social Control Theory, and I used Braun and Clark's thematic analysis steps to analyse and interpret the data. The study found that bullying is triggered by jealousy and envy among learners, inadequate school furniture, family environment, physical attributes, lack of moral education, lack of sexual orientation education, and age differences among learners. Therefore, the study concluded that in order to detect the causes of bullying among grade 8 and 9 learners, teachers must apply Social Control Theory in the school environment by establishing consistent and supportive teacher-learner relationships to easily identify learners' behavioural changes and promote support, peer relationships, and unity among learners. This will reduce internal motivation that leads them to initiate bullying and violate other learners' rights. Additionally, the findings of this study will enable school stakeholders to develop intervention strategies, including disciplinary measures for learners, providing sexual orientation education, and involving parents in their efforts to manage bullying among grades 8 and 9 learners.

Protective effects of ethnic enclaves: Testing pathways to alcohol use and use disorders in Mexican American young adults.

Ethnic enclave residence is associated with decreased risk for drinking and related problems, but less is known about the mechanisms that explain this association. Informed by theories of social control, we used a multilevel framework to examine whether negative attitudes toward drinking mediated associations between ethnic enclave residence (i.e., neighborhood linguistic isolation) and alcohol outcomes among Mexican American young adults (N = 628) in Southern California. Model 1 assessed mediation effects in the pathways from linguistic isolation to current drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Model 2 adjusted for parental drinking attitudes and neighborhood alcohol availability. There were differential associations by gender in direct effects of linguistic isolation and negative drinking attitudes on both drinking and AUD. Among women only, linguistic isolation was related to greater abstinence and decreased AUD after accounting for social control proxies of parent attitudes and alcohol availability. Young adults' own drinking attitudes did not mediate relationships between linguistic isolation and alcohol outcomes. This study offers evidence on the importance of disaggregating Hispanic national groups by gender to uncover social mechanisms within ethnic enclave settings for tailored supports in reducing risk of drinking and alcohol-related harms.

Marketness and Governance: A Typology of Illicit Online Markets

ABSTRACT The preceding decade has seen an explosive growth in illicit online commerce, and scholars are increasingly occupied with the study of illicit products, their buyers and sellers, and the platforms and markets in which they are found. Despite sharing one basic characteristic, the exchange of illicit goods and services, there is extensive variation between illicit online markets: Some markets employ currencies, others are based on barter. Some markets exhibit strong social control, others appear anarchic. Traditional theoretical explanations to the organization of illicit markets, which assume that optimization or evolution drives their organization, find it difficult to explain these variations. I propose a typology of illicit online markets that appreciates this heterogeneity and uses it as a theoretical point of departure. Drawing on social control theory and economic sociology, I argue that illicit online markets can be separated across two axes: administrative governance and ”marketness.” This conceptual framework is not prone to functionalist inference and instead implies a less deterministic understanding of how illicit online markets come to be. In turn, this framework encourages the classification and comparison of individual markets, as well as comparative analyses of marketplaces.

The influence of dark triad on knowledge hiding behavior with workplace spirituality as a moderator in higher education institutions

PurposeIn the knowledge management (KM) literature, there are umpteen discussions on knowledge sharing; however, the scholarly community still faces a dearth of literature on knowledge hiding behavior (KHB) and its determinants. The current study aims to examine the direct effect of dark triad (DT) personality dimensions (machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy) on KHB dimensions (rationalized hiding, evasive hiding and playing dumb). Drawing on social control theory, this study also explores the moderating effect of workplace spirituality (WS) on the direct relationship between DT and KHB.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive sampling, 281 matched-pair datasets from faculty members working with higher education institutions (HEI) in India have been obtained. The direct relationship has been tested through regression analysis and moderation analysis has been performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.FindingsThe study has successfully mapped DT dimensions with KHB dimensions, and it is observed that machiavellians mostly use evasive hiding, narcissists believe in rationalized hiding and paying dumb is mostly used by psychopaths. Workplace spirituality (WS) weakens the direct relationship between DT and KHB.Practical implicationsHEIs are advised to foster a climate conducive to WS by getting faculty to realize that their job is something larger than themselves through developing a sense of community among faculty members.Originality/valueThis empirical study extends the KM literature and expands the scope of bridging the gaps on KHB. It is one of the few studies to examine the impact of DT on KHB with WS as a moderator in HEIs.

Video Games and Adolescents’ Deviant Behaviours in Selected Secondary Schools in the Bamenda Municipality in the North West Region of Cameroon

Aim: This study aimed at investigating the effects of video games on adolescents’ deviant behaviours in selected secondary schools in Bamenda municipality, in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. The specific objective was to examine how video games affect adolescents’ deviant behaviors.
 Methods: The theoretical underpinnings of this study was informed by Albert Bandura’s (1997) Social learning theory, Hirschi's Social Control Theory (2002) and Roggers’ Innovation-diffusion theory (1995). The study employed the concurrent mixed method design whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. A sample of 384 were randomly selected from five high schools located within the Bamenda Municipality in the North West Region of Cameroon. These schools were GBHS Bamendankwe, GBHS Downtown, GBTHS Bamenda, PCHS Mankon and SMASA Nkwen. A structured questionnaire and an interview guide were the main data collection instruments. Linear regression analysis was used to verify the effect of video games on adolescents’ deviant behaviours. The hypothesis was tested at the significance level of 0.05. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using the technique of content thematic analysis.
 Results: Regression analysis shows that when video games increase by one unit, adolescents’ deviant behavior increases by 0. 572 unit.
 Conclusion: Given that this increase is significant with a p-value of 0.000, it is evident from the study that video games significantly affect adolescents’ deviant behavior.
 Recommendation: Adolescents should not spend most of their time using their ICTs gadgets to play video games rather they should use them to engage in more productive activities like personal research and to study. The government can equally put restrictions on/or block the download of game apps that are not beneficial to adolescents within its borders.

‘LOOBAN’: A MULTIPLE-CASE STUDY ON DELINQUENCY OF TEENAGERS SHAPED BY DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES

Young people engage in delinquent behavior. It covers crimes against persons, crimes against things, crimes against public order, and drug offenses. Delinquent behavior is, therefore, an unmanageable activity that affects the community. This research presents the different experiences of three delinquent teenagers whose dysfunctional families shaped them in a community called “Sitio Looban” in the Philippines. This study utilized a qualitative multiple-case study to understand and describe the different stories of each participant-case. The study sought to answer the research questions about the family factors that contribute to the delinquency of teenagers, their delinquent experiences, and their feelings and thoughts as delinquent teenagers. The researchers used an in-depth interview to gather the necessary data from the informants. Within-case and cross-case analysis were used to analyze the data, wherein emerging themes were created to describe the family factors that contributed to the delinquency of the teenagers, which include broken family, poor parenting, home discord vis-à-vis peer influence, child neglect, poor family, and family binge drinking. Emerging themes were also created to discuss the delinquent experiences of teenagers, which involve theft, using counterfeit money, and gambling cheating. There were also emerging themes created to describe the feelings and thoughts of the delinquent teenagers, which include: unconditional love and support, happiness towards friendship, regrets, fear, embarrassment, and hatred and anger. This study supports the Strain Theory and Social Control Theory, which explain that negative relationships with family lead to delinquent behaviors in teenagers. Implications for practice and future researchers are provided in this paper.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0737/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Role of Family Structure in Juvenile Delinquency

Purpose: The general purpose of the study was to explore the role of family structure and juvenile diplomacy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to family structure in juvenile diplomacy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that family structure significantly influences adolescent engagement in delinquent behaviors, with adolescents from single-parent households or non-traditional family arrangements exhibiting higher rates of delinquency. Research highlighted the mediating role of factors such as parental supervision and positive peer relationships, along with cultural variations in this relationship. Qualitative insights underscored the unique challenges faced by adolescents from non-traditional family structures, emphasizing the importance of tailored support. Overall, the findings underscored the need for context-specific interventions and policies to address juvenile delinquency, informed by a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and socio-cultural factors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning theory, Strain theory and Social Control theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of family structure in juvenile delinquency. The study provided recommendations with significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy. It advanced theoretical understanding by highlighting the complex interplay between family dynamics and delinquent behavior, contributing empirical support for existing theoretical models. The study recommended the development of family-centered interventions to strengthen parental supervision and support networks, promote positive peer relationships, and address systemic factors contributing to family stressors. Policy implications included initiatives to support family well-being, invest in evidence-based programs, and integrate findings into broader social policies. Collaboration across sectors was emphasized to implement comprehensive approaches, and the need for continued research to deepen understanding and inform targeted interventions was underscored.

Testing Key Concepts of Three Delinquency Theories in a Multi-National Sample of Adolescents

ABSTRACT We test the generalizability of three mainstream delinquency theories across different cultural contexts by differentiating their core theoretical elements in general strain theory (economic stress, negative life events, victimization), social learning theory (deviant friends, beliefs) and social control theory (self-control, social bonds, parental supervision). We draw on data collected from 67,004 youth aged 12 to 16 years old from 33 countries in the International Self-Report Delinquency project (ISRD3) where cultural context is operationalized by nine country clusters. OLS models show that several variables (delinquent friends, victimization, self-control, parental supervision, anticipated shame, pro-social values) have different but significant effects across all country clusters, supporting the universality of these correlates. However, not all correlates (teacher bonds, family deprivation, social bonds) were statistically significant, suggesting a mediating role for culture. When accounting for the explanatory power of the models, we find variation across country clusters. Furthermore, the test for the predictive equality of coefficients for a subsample of clusters found significant differences for some variables. We conclude with recommendations for future research and cross-national criminology development.

The birthing chair, obstetric bed and gynecological chair in obstetrics and gynecology in Russia of XVIII-XX centuries

The purpose of the study is to investigate material culture of obstetrics in New and Modern history of Russia. The most important objective of research is to involve into scientific circulation Russian empirical material in order to study transformation of culture of childbirth during transition from traditional to biomedical model of childbirth exemplified by material culture items (maternity beds, chairs, armchairs). The key approaches were those of historical anthropology, social history of medicine, theory of social control and medicalization. The methods of content analysis, narrative and interpretive analysis were applied to analyze empirical data. In the Russian folk tradition included no such special devices as maternity beds and birth chairs that was explained by dominance of vertical maternity pose. The first birth chairs were brought into Russia by foreign midwives. With development of clinical obstetrics horizontal position of woman in labor was approving that was conditioned by convenience of physicians. Since last quarter of the XIX century, Russian physicians began to experiment, inventing most convenient version of maternity beds and gynecological chairs. The Soviet system of obstetrics was mass and publicly accessible, but consolidated technocratic model of childbirth. In maternity wards, the "Rakhmanov obstetric bed" became widespread. The chairs were not used during childbirth, being used exclusively in gynecology. The material culture of Soviet maternity hospitals turned out to be extremely stable and conservative. In modern Russian obstetrics, with transition to holistic model of childbirth and actualization of free positioning of woman in labor, transformer beds and fitballs began to be applied to provide optimal course of birth process. The material culture of obstetrics is closely related to dominant type of maternity culture.

The Effect of Peer Influence and Neighborhood Quality on Incarcerated Fathers' Attachment.

Commonly referred to as the "hidden victims" of incarceration, children with a parent who is intermittently or repeatedly incarcerated face various challenges that exacerbate behavioral and psychological development. Using a baseline adaptation of the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering (MFS-IP), we sought to clarify how peer influence and neighborhood quality can predict the extent of an incarcerated father's attachment to the focal child and partner. Results showed a negative association between negative peer influence and poor neighborhood quality. Conversely, incarcerated fathers' relationship with their biological mother and fathers produced a significant positive association. These findings propose that risk and protective factors can directly influence attachment levels with the focal child, as suggested by Social Control Theory. This article provides a basis for a more comprehensive understanding of clinical support that can be offered to children and families who bear the systemic societal mechanisms of incarceration.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse as it Relates to Psychosocial Reasons among University Athletes in Selected Competitive Sports in Kenya

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of drug abuse as it relates to psychosocial reasons that include peer pressure, social environment, emotional state and relationships; among university athletes involved in selected competitive sports.
 Methodology: The study used a mixed methods research design with an intention to capture and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. The study sample comprised 300 respondents. Out of the 300 students, 173 (57.7%) were male and 127 (42.3%) were female players derived from six selected competitive sports at the universities in Kenya. The selected sports were badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and rugby. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling was used to select 10 universities proportionately (4 private and 6 public), the method was the most appropriate to capture universities with women rugby in addition to the five other selected sports. The study sought to investigate the prevalence of drug abuse due to factors such as psychosocial, medicinal and competition. SPSS computer version 20 was used to process data. The data was presented in form of tables.
 Findings: Data indicated clearly that athletes had abused drugs due to various psychosocial reasons. The prevalence per gender was close at 18% and 12.12% for males and females respectively. Peer pressure was regarded as a great contributor to drug abuse among the youth. Another psychosocial indicator is the emotional state of a particular individual. Students, just like other members of society, go through various challenging situations in life. The other indicator regarding drug abuse due to psychosocial factors is depression. Four (4, 40%) of the 10 dean of students interviewed said that students were victims of drug abuse due to depression. They alluded the depression cases mostly to relationship issues and financial challenges while the students are in session. The data was presented in form of Tables.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning Theory, Stress-Coping Theory and Social Control Theory may be used to anchor future studies. It is recommended that university athletes be sensitized on proper use of sports to relieve stress and maintain emotional balance. Further, only qualified coaches and sports officers should be allowed to mentor and man sports in the universities. According to some heads of sports seven out of the ten (70%) and 4 of the 10 (40%) deans of students interviewed, some coaches may not report cases of drug abuse by athletes. This could be attributed to the fact that the coaches, who mostly are on casual basis, could fear experiencing bad blood with the players thereby threatening their jobs. Trained sports officers and coaches should accompany the university athletes always and act as worthy mentors to the young athletes.

PERAN EDUKASI KEAGAMAAN DALAM MEMBENTUK KEPRIBADIAN WANITA PENJAJA SEKS DI INDONESIA

This research aims to describe and analyze the role of Islamic religious education conducted by religious counselors in shaping the personalities of female sex workers in Kediri Regency. The classic problem of prostitution persists without a solution. Islamic religious counselors in Kediri Regency attempt to provide a solution through religious education for female sex workers (FSWs). This study is based on the social control theory, employing a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data collection methods include observation and interviews, with phenomenological data analysis. The research involves Islamic religious counselors and female sex workers in Kediri Regency. The findings of this study conclude that: First, Islamic religious counselors conduct religious education for female sex workers by establishing Islamic boarding schools in the midst of red-light districts; Second, the implementation of religious education utilizes methods, materials, and strategies tailored to the needs of FSWs; Third, religious education transforms the personalities of female sex workers, leading them back to the right path, fostering a more religious lifestyle, and transitioning to different professions.

Child Violence in the Household Sphere in Kasu Village, Belakang Padang District, Batam City

This research aims to determine child violence in the household sphere in Kasu Village, Rear Padang District, Batam City. Where currently there is an increase in the rate of violence against children in Indonesia, this research also aims to determine the impact that occurs due to violence and is analyzed using sociological theory, namely social control theory. This research uses qualitative research methods by means of interviews and collecting data from the internet. Acts of violence committed against children can cause pain, both internal and external injuries to the child. Violence against children can also hinder children's growth and development. Emotional, physical violence or chronic neglect can inhibit the growth of a child's brain and organs, increase the risk of diseases triggered by stress and hinder cognitive and social development which will ultimately lead to anxiety disorders, depression, behavioral disorders and poor academic achievement.

How Society Anxiety Influences Attention Control in College Students: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Cognitive Flexibility and Resting-state Electroencephalography Activity.

Social anxiety is a prevalent issue among college students, adversely affecting their overall well-being. Drawing from the cognitive model of social anxiety and attention control theory, heightened levels of social anxiety may correspond to poorer attention control ability. However, little is known about the underlying cognitive mechanisms of the relationship between social anxiety and attention control. To address this research gap, the current study recruited a sample of 156 college students (56 women) who underwent self-report measures of social anxiety, cognitive flexibility, and attention control, followed by a resting-state EEG recording. The results revealed a significant negative predictive effect of social anxiety on attention control, with cognitive flexibility partially mediating this relationship. Furthermore, resting-state theta power emerged as a significant moderator, accentuating the negative impact of social anxiety on cognitive flexibility among individuals with lower theta power. In addition, frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) demonstrated a moderating effect, with lower FAA intensifying the predictive influence of cognitive flexibility on attention control. Taken together, these results suggested that social anxiety can predict attention control either directly or indirectly via the mediating role of cognitive flexibility, and lower theta power and FAA has a risk amplification effect, which provide novel insights into the treatment and prevention of social anxiety and its negative impact on college students.

Let Me Move: A Legal Analysis of Residence Restrictions on Asylum-Seekers in Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands

For over a decade, Spanish police have prevented asylum-seekers in Ceuta and Melilla—two Spanish exclaves in Northern Africa—from moving to mainland Spain. Since 2020, similar measures have been taken in the Canary Islands. However, this practice has not taken place in a vacuum. This article shows that the Spanish authorities have long drafted and interpreted Spanish law in such a way as to create a veil of legality over these residence restrictions. Moreover, they have ignored attempts by the courts to uphold the freedom of asylum-seekers to choose their place of residence within the borders of the State. The government and the police have thus exercised a kind of “diluted” legal social control, in which legal certainty and human rights safeguards are out of the picture. This article analyzes the issue from different perspectives, using social control theories, classical legal doctrinal analysis, and comparisons with criminal law.