ANALYSIS OF THE CAPACITY FOR SELF-CONTROL AND INDIVIDUALS’ INTEREST IN EXERCISING SELF-CONTROL

Felicia McCaw
Criminology 410
Section 0466

THEORIST PAPER: ANALYSIS OF THE CAPACITY FOR SELF-CONTROL AND INDIVIDUALS’
INTEREST IN EXERCISING SELF-CONTROL


AUTHORS OF THEORY: CHARLES R. TITTLE, DAVID A. WARD, HAROLD G. GRASMICK

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to discuss the capacity for self-control and an individual’s interest in exercising self-control. The General Theory of Control is utilized to discuss the interaction of high self-control and low self-control. The studies done are reflecting the compiling of data and analysis of control variables and introduction of flexible (independent) variables to ascertain the differentiating control adjustments as well as maintainable levels to measure testable levels of crime in relation to high self-control and low self-control. Further the possibility of testing the capacity for self-control and whether control levels can be increased from a low self-control to a high level of self-control and continuance of positivity that this level of expectation is achievable or attainable. Also, the levels of low self-control will be measured for reconstructivity as well as increase and the parallelism of low self-control with low self-esteem and the association of this lack of self-control to increased levels of criminality. Furthermore, the measure of high self-control is parallel to individuals with high self-esteem which is equivalent to low or no acts of criminality because of an inhibitor introduced early in life which prevents and helps deter criminality by reception and acknowledging that punishment follow acts of criminality.

THEORISTS

Charles R. Tittle, David A. Ward, Harold G. Grasmick
See Appendix A (expanded details)


Felicia McCaw
Criminology 410
Section 0466
Page 2

THEORY (THEORIES)

General Theory of Control
Self-Control Theory
General Theory of Crime

Source for all Three
(Understanding Crime – Thomas Winfree, Jr., Bernard Abadinsky)

The Self-Control Theory, General Theory of Control and the General Theory of Crime deals with the study of control levels and effective measures toward resisting criminality and the effects of High and Low Self-Control on individuals and ability to control self.

APPLYING AND TESTING THEORY

The article reflects and ponders on Gottfredson and Hirchi’s (1990) General Theory that people with Low Self-Control are unable to predict the consequences of their actions and do not care whereas High Self-Control individuals think before acting. Due to the plentitude of criminal acts individuals with Low Self-Control will inevitably indulge in criminality due to low self-esteem and acts. But, a contradiction exists because there are theorists that propose Low Self-Control people do not necessarily become criminal or participate in acts of misconduct. I disagree with this because I view or consider Low Self-Control to parallel with Low Self-Esteem and these individuals are easily led into criminality. Further well adjusted people with High Self-Control have a tendency to be more successful and productive in society and are less prone to deviance. Consequently, methods and studies are done to compile data to analyze by survey method which would include the measures of independent variables, dependent variables and control variables in the testing of self-control levels. Studies are done to measure self-control desire to monitor urges, impulses, or desire to commit some act (that is the act can have strong appeal because of its potential gratifying capability or possible criminal nature.).

Felicia McCaw
Criminology 410
Section 0466
Page 3

OVERVIEW

An analysis is done to study Self-Control Ability, Self-Control Desire, six control variables and a multiplicative interaction term for ability and desire for the purpose of determining if Self-Control Desire could predict crime/deviance as well as Self-Control Ability. The most significant find is that Self-Control is a relevant factor in inhibiting deviance.

THEORY, DESIGN AND METHOD OF STUDY

The Self-Control Theory is relevant because it takes the situation and displays it to study it in fragments and becomes a compiled report reflecting support of the theory; that Low Self-Control individuals have a propensity towards criminality and High Self-Control individuals does not. The study utilized a sample collection from the 16th (1994) Annual Oklahoma City survey of which adults (18 and older) were drawn from R.L. Polk Directory of households within the city by letter and later attempts were made to schedule appointments that were made in person by trained interviewers. Three Hundred Fifty face to face interviews were made and data was compiled from 40% of the initial targeted individuals who provided a completed interview and the rest of sample being random substitutions. After the study was done the interaction basis of compiled information was used to subsequent test the attained evidence of Low and High Self-Control patterns and the marginal analysis between the two.

RESULTS

The results of the study reflected that people with a Low Self-Control behavioral pattern have a tendency toward criminality and susceptibility and weakness to commit acts of a criminal nature and inability to exercise control. The hypothesis is supported by evidential reported findings that relayed concrete proof and stabilization of the analysis of the two variables to confirm theory.

Felicia McCaw
Criminology 410
Section 0466
Page 4

IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The importance of the study reflects that an inhibitory control factor assists in High Self-Control because it is instilled earlier in life. Reflective of High Self-Control is the inner trigger (inhibitory control factor) that unconsciously prevents a decline into Low Self-Control. Also, that studies done in the past provide research that self-control levels reflect a good estimation of possible criminal behavior and the lower the self-control the higher the individual’s propensity toward criminality. Further, the more self-control the greater the ability to self-regulate increases and allows the excercising (inhibitory control factor) and restricts deviant impulses.

CONTRIBUTION

These theorists have given great insight into the connective pattern of Self-Control whether low or high in relation to crime or criminality and the possible way to prevent and halt some actions that are discovered and need to be changed. Further, the theorists relays that levels of Self-Control can be adjusted up to live in society more easily and accept the norms of the land or can be adjusted down that is detrimental to the individual as well as to society.



APPENDIX A
THEORISTS
Theory
Capacity for Self-Control and Individuals’ Interest in Exercising Self-Control by Charles R. Tittle, David A. Ward, Harold G. Grasmick (Theory developed by Tittle, Ward, Grasmick)
Cites: (Wilson, Margo & Daly, Martin: 2006); Wilson & Daly 2006; Medicott 2006; Cochran & Alesksa & Chamlin 2006; Unnever & Cullen 2006; Jones 2009; Brezina & Tekin & Tppalli 2008
CHARLES R. TITTLE
Current Position: Professor Dept of Sociology
North Carolina State University
Speciality: Criminology
Source: www.zoominfo.com

Published 9 articles from 1977 to 2004 with 6 co-authors
Capacity for Self-Control and individuals’ interesting exercising Self-Control - This theory explores an individuals’ control levels – low vs high; Low Self-Control – criminal activity and High Self-Control no criminal activity or less temptation.

Gender, Age and Crime/Deviance: A challenge to Self-Control Theory – This theory explores the gender, age and relates it to the level of effects of possible Crime/Deviance and its challenge to Self-Control and if Self-Control can exerted to halt deviance. Published in 2003.

Social Deviance and Crime: An Organizational and Theoretical Approach - Working from a unique approach, this book unites two topics that are usually separated: the study of social deviance and the study of criminal behavior. Published in 2000.

Control – Balance: Toward a General Theory of Deviance – This book contains central ideas of the most popular simple theories of deviance identify variables or processes that are probably important in the production of deviant behavior. Theories of deviance should provide satisfactory explanations for all forms of the phenomena within the various domains addressed by the field. Published in 1993.

Testing the core implications of Gottfredson & Hirschi’s General Theory of Crime – In a General Theory of Crime, Gottfredson and Hirschi propose that low self-control, in interaction with criminal opportunity, is the major cause of crime. The research reported in this article attempts to test this argument while closely following the nominal definitions presented by Gottfredson and Hirschi. A factor analysis of items desined to measure low self-control is consistent with their contention that the trait is unidimensional. Published in 1993.

Felicia McCaw
APPENDIX A
Page 2

Sanction Fear and the Maintenance of Social Order - In this study data is gathered in a sample survey of the population aged 15 and over in New Jersey, Iowa, and Oregon to gain the support that at least some kind of sanctin fear are major contributors to conformity. Fear of interpersonal lack of respect was found to be the second best predictor of the eight considered.

Los Desarrollos Teoricos De La Criminologia – (The Development of Theoretical Criminology) – This study is based on theories which involve facets of Criminology and approaches toward solving crimes.

A Cross-National Test of Bonger’s Theory of Criminality – This theory or study uses analysis to support the hypothesis that the degree of capitalism significantly to predict homicide rates, but the fail to confirm that de-moralization of the population (loss of moral feelings for others) mediates the relationship between capitalism and homicide.

A General Theory of Crime: A Book Review - A general theory of crime and the age-graded life-course theory are considered disparate explanatory models of the development of criminal behavior.

Harold G. Grasmick Current Position: Professor Sociology
Tulane University
Speciality: Sociology
Source: www.zoominfo.com

Published 8 articles from 1980 to 2004 with 11 co-authors

Capacity for Self-Control and individuals’ interesting exercising Self-Control - This theory explores an individuals’ control levels – low vs high; Low Self-Control – criminal activity and High Self-Control no criminal activity or less temptation.

Gender, Age and Crime/Deviance: A challenge to Self-Control Theory – This theory explores the gender, age and relates it to the level of effects of possible Crime/Deviance and its challenge to Self-Control and if Self-Control can exerted to halt deviance. Published in 2003.

Evaluating the Dimensionality and Invariance of “Low Self-Control” – This theory explores Low Self-Control on a six dimensional level and its possible resistance to change despite changing variables.

Risk Preferences and Patriarchy: Extending Power – Control Theory - The theory is an initial attempt to explore power-control theory as a potential tool for understanding the distribution of risk preferences, and eventually of risk-related behaviors, among adults. Further this theory has linked historically shaped patriarchal family structures to gender linked individual preferences for risk taking which, in turn, produce gender differences in adolescent delinquency.

Felicia McCaw
APPENDIX A
Page 3

Religion, Punitive Justice and support for the death penalty – The present study argues that evangelical/fundamentalist Protestants are more inclined to attribute crime to offenders’ dispositional characteristics than to situational factors. Consequently they are expected to be more punitive than members of other groups.

Testing the core implications of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s General Theory of Crime – The Study or theory further test the results from G. & H. General Theory of Crime for further evaluation of evidential proof of data compiled.

A comparison of the perceived threats of managerial sanctions, embarrassment and shame in Japan and the United States – This study is compiled of a developed rationale for predicting that Japanese employees, compared to American employees, perceived greater threats of managerial sanctions, embarrassment and shame for noncompliant behavior. In this report here parallel measures are created of the perceived threats of each punishment for three forms

Of productive deviance (taking a long lunch or break, coming to work late or leaving early, and using sick leave). The cultural differences in perceived levels of these threats for the rule violations are then examined in merged samples of employees in Japanese and U.S. university hospitals.

Legal punishment, Social Disapproval and Internalization as inhibitors of illegal behavior - This study reflects the effect of legal punishment, social disapproval and internalization as an inhibitor (or restrictive) to prevent illegal behavior.

David A. Ward Current Position: Senior Lecturer, Professional Communication
Speciality: Education
Source: www.linkedin.com/pub

Published 4 articles from 1964 to 2004 with 3 co-authors

Capacity for Self-Control and individuals’ interesting exercising Self-Control - This theory explores an individuals’ control levels – low vs high; Low Self-Control – criminal activity and High Self-Control no criminal activity or less temptation.

Gender, Age and Crime/Deviance: A challenge to Self-Control Theory – This theory explores the gender, age and relates it to the level of effects of possible Crime/Deviance and its challenge to Self-Control and if Self-Control can exerted to halt deviance. Published in 2003.

Women’s Prison: Sex and Social Structure - The social and sexual behavior of female inmates, especially the nature and incidence of homosexuality, were examined using data from inmates records, interviews, and a questionnaire survey of inmates of the California Institution for women.

Felicia McCaw
APPENDIX A
Page 4
Homosexuality: A mode of Adaption in a Prison for Women – This is a abstract regarding the adaption of women in prison who may opt for homosexual role in prison but there is little data compiled on the subject.



REFERENCES

Understanding Crime
Essentials of Criminological Theory
By L. Thomas Winfree & Howard Abadinsky

Working Memory Capacity and Self-Regulation
By Malgorzata Ilkowska & Randall W. Engle

Dissociable Brain Mechanism Underlying the Conscious and Unconscious Control of Behavior
By Simon Van Gaal, Victor A. F. Lamme, Johannes J. Fahrenfort, K. Richard Ridderinkkhof. Journal of Congnitive Neuroscience. Cambridge: Jan 2011. Vol. 23, ISS 1, P. 91

High Self-Control Predicts Good adjustment, Less Pathology, Better Grades and Interpersonal Success
By June P. Tangney, George Mason University, Roy F, Baumeister, Case Western Reserve University, Angie Luzio Boone, George Mason University, Journal of Personality 72:2, April 2004. Blackwell Publishing

Self-Control Precis (Sara Wakefield) Gottfredson, Michael R. and Travis Hirschi.1990. A General Theory of Crime. Stanford: Stanford University Press. Chapters 2, 5, and 6.

Self-Restraint: A Study on the Capacity and Desire for Self-Control By John K. Cochran, University of South Florida; Valentina Aleksa, University of South Florida; Mitchell B. Chamlin, University of Cincinnati; Western Criminology Review 7 (3), 27 – 40 (2006).

A Test of Self-Control Theory Using General Patterns of Deviance, By John McMullen;
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.