The Functions of The Social Bond

Abstract

Travis Hirschi's control or social bonding theory argues that those persons who have strong and abiding attachments to conventional society (in the form of attachments, involvement, investment, and belief) are less likely to deviate than persons who have weak or shallow bonds. Later, Gottfredson and Hirschi moved away from the social bond as the primary factor in deviance, and toward an emphasis on self-control. In short, low self-control is associated with higher levels of deviance and criminality irrespective of the strength or weakness of one's social bonds. In this article I argue that Talcott Parsons' AGIL schema easily incorporates Hirschi's social bond into its broader analytical framework. Furthermore, from within the logical framework of Parsons' system, Hirschi's move from an emphasis on social bonds to an emphasis on self-control is wholly compatible with, and even anticipated by, the AGIL schema. The article illustrates, and argues for, the continuing importance of theoretical subsumption in sociology and criminology. Lastly, a set of testable hypotheses is generated based upon this theoretical reformulation.

How Social Communications Influence Advertising Perception and Response in Online Communities?

“…Commitment is related to an ambitious goal that an individual is eager to achieve, e.g., the high-level education and high-status reputation ( Hirschi, 1969 ). Commitment is considered as a rational cost analysis of conducting certain activities that are accepted or rejected by the frame of reference ( Chriss, 2007 ). In online community context, committed users are inclined to invest tremendous time and effort to seek certain goals or end status that can match their aspiration.…”

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“…A continued commitment to positive change will require support from those who seek and maintain attachment bonds. "Attachment" refers to the emotional closeness one shares with family, peers and institutions (i.e., school, place of employment or religious establishment) (Chriss, 2007). Researchers argue that when we attach to other individuals or institutions (those that promote prosocial behavior, specifically anti-criminal involvements and behavior), we are more likely to believe in prosocial rules (i.e.…”

“…Researchers argue that when we attach to other individuals or institutions (those that promote prosocial behavior, specifically anti-criminal involvements and behavior), we are more likely to believe in prosocial rules (i.e. adherence to the penal law) and there is a greater desire to engage in prosocial behavior; this involves an investment in obtaining employment, attaining housing, and circumventing criminal associates or behavior (Chriss, 2007). In regard to prisoners, a prosocial identity means replacing one's criminal identity with a law-abiding identity; it relates to one who is ready to abandon criminal ideas, motivations, and rationalizations.…”

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“…These factors included attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. Hirschi (1969) stressed that if an individual's bonds to society based on these four elements are weak, the likelihood that an individual will engage in delinquent increases [18]. Arguably, having a high GPA among college students represents an individual's commitment to ensuring that all assignments are completed, tests are thoroughly studied for, and perhaps the lack of down time prevents an individual from engaging in deviant behavior such as binge drinking.…”