Social Control Theory

In this paper I will discuss and examine research that has been conducted in order to explain why individuals conform. The research will also explain different theories that criminologists have formed to understand why people conform in group situations. Rather than trying to determine why some people deviate from social and legal norms, the control theory asks: Why does anyone conform? Why doesn't everyone violate the rules? The answer that seems most logical is that we conform because social controls prevent us from committing crimes. The control theory argues that people are motivated to conform by social control but need no special motivation to violate the law.…