Final answer:
Terrence Thornberry's interactional theory emphasizes that strong social bonds and positive societal engagement are key factors that decrease delinquency. The theory is supported by social disorganization and control theories, which highlight how community stability, social bonds, and collective social controls influence individual behavior and the propensity for crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Terrence Thornberry's interactional theory, strong social bonds and positive societal engagement decrease delinquency. This concept aligns with the broader principles of social disorganization and control theories, which emphasize the impact of community and societal factors on individual behavior.
Social disorganization theory, developed at the University of Chicago, identifies weak social ties and the absence of social control as predictors of crime. Poverty, residential mobility, and a heterogeneous population characterize areas where criminal behavior becomes more prevalent. Conversely, wealthier, stable, and homogenous communities, where residents exert collective social control, tend to have lower delinquency rates.
Control theory, proposed by Travis Hirschi, highlights the importance of social bonds in preventing deviance. The four types of social bonds—attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief—are integral in connecting individuals to society, and the stronger these bonds, the less likely a person is to engage in criminal behavior. The interaction of these social factors significantly influences the likelihood of delinquency and points to a complex interplay between individual choices and the social environment.