The Legacy of Travis Hirschi: Conjectures & Refutations

• In Event: Exploring Criminology and its Controversies in Historical Context

Abstract

Contemporary criminology tends to compact Travis Hirschi’s contribution into Causes of Delinquency and A General Theory of Crime. However, a closer look at his record reveals a more robust, sustained engagement with an omnibus project to provide an intellectual foundation for the field. The defense of his positions was often delivered in acerbic prose, which many current readers might find to be unduly harsh. Hirschi’s vociferous rejection of positivist assumptions earned him few fans among his peers. The present work reconsiders his legacy through the application of the sociology of knowledge. A historically informed reading of his contributions, unpopular though they often were at the time (e.g. theoretical integration, self-report data, career criminal research, low self-control), warns against mischaracterizing his scholarship as anything other than a good faith attempt to press for a more rigorous adherence to scientific principles. Through a process of creative destruction, his challenge to criminological theory prompted the removal of weaker ideas for better replacements. Furthermore, the agitation over his more contentious ideas served to integrate the field around a few identifying characteristics, if only to combat his arguments.

Author

• Brendan Dooley, Mount St. Mary's University