Final answer:
Sociologist Travis Hirschi's control theory suggests that societal control is maintained through four main elements: attachments, commitments, involvements, and beliefs, which serve as social bonds that discourage deviant behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to sociologist Travis Hirschi, society exercises control through four primary elements: attachments, commitments, involvements, and beliefs. These elements act as social bonds that influence our behavior and our likelihood to abide by or deviate from societal norms. Control theory, as proposed by Hirschi, emphasizes that those with stronger bonds to society are less likely to engage in deviant behaviors. Hirschi's theory aligns with the broader sociological perspective that regards society as a complex system where the behavior of individuals is influenced by various social forces and interactions.
Attachments refer to our connections with others and our concern for their opinions, which can influence us to conform to societal norms. Commitments involve our investments in the community, which can deter us from crime due to having more to lose. Involvements in legitimate social activities reduce the time available for deviant behavior, and beliefs encompass our agreement with societal values, guiding us to conform to those values.
Additionally, the concept of social construction of reality indicates that our perception of society influences its existence and our actions, further implicating the role of societal structures in shaping individual behavior. Sociologist Émile Durkheim contributed to this understanding by discussing social facts and the collective conscience, which serve functions within society such as preserving public health or reinforcing moral consciousness.