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Who authored the significant work "Causes of Delinquency" which presents a social control theory?

  1. Albert Bandura

  2. Travis Hirshi

  3. Robert Merton

  4. Erik Erikson

The correct answer is: Travis Hirshi

The work "Causes of Delinquency" was authored by Travis Hirschi and is foundational to social control theory. Hirschi’s theory posits that strong social bonds and attachments to society can help prevent delinquency. His research emphasized the importance of elements such as attachment to others, commitment to conventional activities, involvement in community, and belief in societal rules in deterring individuals from engaging in delinquent behavior. This approach indicates that it is not just the absence of controls that leads to delinquency, but the presence of strong social ties that can help individuals conform to societal expectations. The significance of Hirschi’s work lies in its shift from viewing delinquency solely through the lens of individual pathology to considering the role of societal structures and relationships in influencing behavior. This perspective has had a lasting impact on both criminology and the development of preventative measures in various communities.