Final answer:
Travis Hirschi's Control Theory identifies four social bonds—attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief—that deter individuals from committing crimes by strengthening their connection to society and its values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four parts of the social theory that explains why individuals do not commit crimes are embedded within Travis Hirschi's Control Theory. According to Hirschi, the strength of social bonds and their influence on social control can deter deviance and criminal activities. The four bonds are:
- Attachment - the emotional and social connections with others that elicit concern for others' opinions and adherence to social norms.
- Commitment - the investments one has in their community which might be at risk if one engages in criminal behavior.
- Involvement - participation in social activities that can limit opportunities for deviance by consuming an individual's time and energy.
- Belief - shared values and norms within a society that an individual agrees with and follows.
These bonds collectively influence an individual's likelihood of committing a crime by fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their community and to the normative standards set by society.