Question

Jimmy thinks about stealing money from a coworker so that he can buy new shoes. Jimmy ultimately decides against this because he knows it would be morally wrong. This is an example of which theory? a) strain theory b) labeling theory c) primary deviance theory d) social control theory

Answer 1

The answer is d) social control theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

Social control theory is an explanation to deviant behaviour that states shared social values, beliefs and moral codes prevent people from engaging in antisocial activities, such as crime.

Sociologist Ivan Nye recognised three variants of control.

• Indirect: the person refrains from commiting crime because he or she is afraid of punishment;
• Direct: the person is aware others may suffer with those actions; and
• Internal: the person actually believes the actions are wrong.