Final answer:
Hirschi's social bond theory explains that deviance arises when a person's bonds to society are weakened. The theory identifies four types of bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, each playing a role in discouraging criminal behavior by fostering conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social bond theory, as outlined by Travis Hirschi in 1969, suggests that deviance and criminal behavior are the result of weakened bonds to society. According to Hirschi, strong social bonds can act as a deterrent to crime. He identifies four types of social bonds that can influence a person's likelihood of conforming to social norms and laws:
- Attachment to others, such as family, friends, and romantic partners, can influence our concern for their opinions and can motivate us to conform to societal expectations.
- Commitment to the community through investments such as careers and volunteer work gives individuals something to lose, thereby deterring crime.
- Involvement in socially legitimate activities and pursuits can reduce the opportunity and inclination towards deviant behavior.
- Belief in shared values and norms of society encourages individuals to adhere to them.
These social bonds are vital in fostering conformity and discouraging deviant behavior, making them crucial components in understanding the relationship between individuals and the social framework.