Final answer:
The control of criminals by their spouses is a multifaceted issue involving psychological, social, and ethical factors. Individual behavior may not be completely controllable due to external and internal influences, such as family bonds, personal values, and social structures. Furthermore, power dynamics and societal status can affect the accountability of criminal actions and impede the influence partners may have over each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question why criminals' spouses and relationships do not control them and make them stop acting out is complex and involves psychological, social, and ethical dimensions. There are multiple factors to consider. For one, individual behavior and decision-making are influenced by a range of factors, including underlying psychological conditions, social environment, and personal experiences. These influences, according to the theory of Hard Determinism, suggest that people are driven by external and internal factors that they may not entirely control, as opposed to possessing free will. Moreover, the concept of social control through strong bonds, as identified by Travis Hirschi, implies that when individuals have strong ties to society and their community, they are less likely to engage in criminal activity. However, overriding these bonds can be multiple motivators for crime, including the perceived benefits of the criminal activity, lack of understanding or agreement on societal values, or even social and power structures that influence what is considered criminal and who is held accountable.
Another aspect is the relationship dynamics in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV), where perpetrators may establish dominance and control over their partners, making it difficult for the victim to influence the perpetrator's behavior. Additionally, when looking at crime through the lens of power and elite theory, the societal rules often favor the privileged, leading to a disparity in how crime is treated based on the offender’s social status. This discrepancy can also demotivate the partners of more powerful individuals from exerting control over the criminal behavior of their spouses due to systemic biases that shield such individuals from serious consequences.
Therefore, it is not as simple as spouses or partners controlling the behavior of a criminal. A mixture of psychological, social, economic, and personal factors intricates the reasons behind criminal actions and the potential for outside influence on those actions.