Final answer:
One of the most important works of American criminology in this century is Travis Hirschi's Causes of Delinquency. Hirschi's social control theory highlights the importance of social bonds in preventing criminal behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The works of American criminology published in this century have had a significant impact on our understanding of crime and deviance. One of the most important works is Causes of Delinquency, authored by Travis Hirschi in 1969. Travis Hirschi's social control theory presented in Causes of Delinquency suggests that social bonds play a crucial role in preventing individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. These social bonds include attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Hirschi argues that when individuals feel connected to society and have a stake in conforming to societal norms, they are less likely to commit crimes. Understanding the causes and prevention of delinquency and crime is essential for developing effective public policies and interventions. Hirschi's work has contributed significantly to the field of American criminology and has influenced our understanding of deviance and social control.