The Generality of Hirschi’s Control Theories in South Korea: A Quantitative Synthesis of Empirical Studies

• In Event: Criminological and Criminal Justice Theories: Universal or Contextual?

Abstract

In Causes of Delinquency (1969) and subsequently with Michael R. Gottfredson in A General Theory of Crime (1990), Travis Hirschi set forth the compelling thesis that weak control is the key source of crime and deviance. A central claim of both versions of control theory is that the effect of weak control is general. A key issue is whether the generality of control theory extends cross-culturally. In this context, the current project assesses the generality (or universality) of Hirschi’s two control theories to the explanation of crime and deviance in South Korea. The intent is to perform a meta-analysis of studies conducted with South Korean respondents.

Authors

• Heejin Lee, Sam Houston State University

• Francis T. Cullen, University of Cincinnati

• Damon M. Petrich, Loyola University Chicago