Social control theory

In criminology, social control theory proposes that exploiting the process of socialization and social learning builds self-control and reduces the inclination to indulge in behavior recognized as antisocial. It derived from functionalist theories of crime and was developed by Ivan Nye (1958), who proposed that there were three types of control:

• Direct: by which punishment is threatened or applied for wrongful behavior, and compliance is rewarded by parents, family, and authority figures.
• Indirect: by identification with those who influence behavior, say because their delinquent act might cause pain and disappointment to parents and others with whom they have close relationships.
• Internal: by which a youth refrains from delinquency through the conscience or superego.