NCJ Number
97743
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (1985) Pages: 1-14
Date Published
1985
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Adult misdemeanants on probation in Florida were studied to determine whether Hirschi's social control theory of delinquency causation applied to these offenders.
Abstract
The study examined three central elements of Hirschi's bonding theory: attachment to significant others, involvement in conventional activities, and commitment to conventional lines of action to attain approved goals. The dependent variable, conformity to social norms, was defined as successful probation outcome. The 328 subjects represented a quota sample from 3,320 case files that were closed in 3 counties between January 1977 and May 1978. Their supervision was provided by the Salvation Army Misdemeanant Program. The subjects were generally younger first offenders sentenced to probation for 6-12 months following a conviction for petty larceny, possession of a controlled substance, assault, disorderly conduct, or some other fairly minor offense. Although all the elements of bonding were found to be associated with conformity in the direction hypothesized, the strengths of the associations varied. Attachment to significant others was not significantly related to conformity. Involvement in conventional activities, as indicated by employment, was more closely related to conformity. Commitment to conventional goals, as shown by education and time on the job, were shown to be clearly related to outcomes. Limitations of the study and recommendations for further research are discussed. Data tables and 21 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)