Control Theory and Public Policy: Self-Control, Informal Control, and State-Based Sanctions

Control theories are among the most researched and empirically supported perspectives on the causes of crime and delinquency. Modern control theory emphasizes self and social controls as general causes and integrates these with opportunity factors to explain the nature and distribution of crime. Public policy implications for control theory pertain to both positive and negative recommendations. Childhood prevention and a focus on opportunities for crime are positive implications, whereas harsh sanctions, preventive police patrols, incapacitation, special deterrence, and general deterrence are inconsistent with control theory. Research supports these control theory claims, and existing estimates show favorable cost:benefit ratios. Benefits associated with these prevention methods extend beyond crime and delinquency to a variety of health, education, and interpersonal successes. Crime rate trends provide additional support for the validity of control theory and its policy implications rather than substantial criminal justice influence.