In an effort to develop a theory that can provide a broader explanation of crime, and ideally, to develop a general theory of criminal behaviour, criminologists have focused on theoretical integration, a combination of two or more theories to form a new theory with the assumption being that the resulting theory will be superior to any individual theories standing alone. According to Hunter and Dantzker (2012:167) no one theory is adequate enough to explain all crime and it is for this reason that criminologists prefer approaching the study of crime and criminality from various perspectives.
Theoretical integration is possible by examining the distinct aspects of various theories in an effort to reach a broader explanation of a specific theory. This process is achieved by the fusing of the propositions of the various theories which are somewhat distinct but have similar premises into a universal theory to explain crime. …show more content…
Tittle describes the core of control balance as one which strongly influences the predisposition for deviance and the constraints against deviance (). The central premise of the theory is that the amount of control to which people are subject relative to the amount of control they can exercise affects their general probability of committing some deviant acts (Tittle,). The theory proposes to explain the type of criminal acts and behaviours in which people will engage as well as why they engage in criminal behaviour (Reid, 2012:176; Tittle, 2004:397).
According to Reid (2012:181) control balance theory is one of the most complex integrated theories yet to have emerged, which attempts to combine social control, social learning, rational choice and anomie.
The purpose of this paper is to analyse and assess the significance of Tittle’s Control Balance theory as an integrated control
Theoretical integration is possible by examining the distinct aspects of various theories in an effort to reach a broader explanation of a specific theory. This process is achieved by the fusing of the propositions of the various theories which are somewhat distinct but have similar premises into a universal theory to explain crime. …show more content…
Tittle describes the core of control balance as one which strongly influences the predisposition for deviance and the constraints against deviance (). The central premise of the theory is that the amount of control to which people are subject relative to the amount of control they can exercise affects their general probability of committing some deviant acts (Tittle,). The theory proposes to explain the type of criminal acts and behaviours in which people will engage as well as why they engage in criminal behaviour (Reid, 2012:176; Tittle, 2004:397).
According to Reid (2012:181) control balance theory is one of the most complex integrated theories yet to have emerged, which attempts to combine social control, social learning, rational choice and anomie.
The purpose of this paper is to analyse and assess the significance of Tittle’s Control Balance theory as an integrated control