General Theory of Crime
Definition
The theory proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi in 1990 holding that low self-control is the single variable explaining the universal age-crime curve. It predicts not just criminal offending but also accidents, smoking, unstable employment, and impulsive consumption.
- Authors
- Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi
- Published
- 1990
- Core claim
- Low self-control explains the general age-crime curve
- Self-control origin
- Set early in childhood through parenting/supervision
Common questions
What did Gottfredson and Hirschi say caused low self-control?+
They attributed it mainly to ineffective child-rearing, especially poor parental monitoring, failure to recognize misbehavior, and inconsistent discipline during early childhood.
How does this theory differ from Hirschi's earlier social bond theory?+
Social bond theory explains conformity through attachment to conventional institutions, while the general theory of crime locates the cause of both crime and analogous risky behavior in a single trait, self-control, formed early in life.
Has the general theory of crime been criticized?+
Yes, critics argue it underplays situational and opportunity factors, and some longitudinal studies find self-control is less stable across the life course than the theory assumes.
Related terms
- Analogous Behaviours
- Non-criminal acts that, according to the general theory, stem from the same low self-control as crime: reckless driving, smoking, alcohol misuse, employment...
- Attachment
- Emotional sensitivity to the opinion of significant others, particularly parents, teachers, and peers. An attached individual cares about what these others think...
- Commitment
- Investment in conventional lines of activity such as education, career, and reputation. A person with high commitment has much to lose from...
- Low Self-Control
- A stable personality trait characterised by impulsivity, insensitivity, risk-seeking, short-sightedness, and preference for non-verbal over cognitive tasks. Gottfredson and Hirschi argue it...
- Social Bond
- The set of ties that connect an individual to conventional society. In Hirschi's model, the bond has four elements: attachment, commitment, involvement,...