Cecily Zamora
There are many reasons why people break the law and engage in criminal activity. Some people believe that individuals who break the law lack self-control and have low willpower. Others believe that people who break the law do so because they feel they have nothing to lose. Some people are unaware of the law, and others believe that lawbreaking is the most immediate source of gratification or conflict resolution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of willpower | |
| Lack of morals | |
| Lack of self-control | |
| Poor | |
| Unemployed | |
| Lack of social ties | |
| Lack of knowledge of the law |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of willpower and self-control
People break the law for a variety of reasons, one of which is a lack of willpower and self-control. This is known as the Social Control Theory, which suggests that a person's actions and feelings of strong emotions are influenced by internal and external forces. People who do not have well-valued morals and lack self-control are more likely to commit a crime.
Travis Hirschi states that "Lawbreaking is often the most immediate source of gratification or conflict resolution, and no special motivation is required to explain such behaviour". This suggests that people who lack willpower and self-control may break the law as a way to quickly satisfy their desires or resolve conflicts without considering the consequences.
Additionally, individuals who are poor, unemployed, or lack a supportive network of friends and family may feel that they have nothing to lose by breaking the law. They may not have strong social ties or bonds that provide a sense of belonging and purpose, leading them to seek gratification or conflict resolution through illegal means.
It is also important to consider that many people are unaware of the law and its complexities. This lack of knowledge can lead to unintentional law-breaking, as people may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. However, ignorance of the law is not a valid defence, and individuals are expected to take responsibility for their actions, regardless of their level of legal understanding.
To prevent law-breaking due to a lack of willpower and self-control, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to these behaviours. This may include providing education and support to help individuals develop stronger morals and a sense of self-control. Additionally, creating opportunities for individuals to build meaningful social connections and find purpose in their lives can help reduce the likelihood of them resorting to criminal activity.
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Low morals
People break the law for a variety of reasons, and one of the main factors is their level of morals. Those with low morals and a lack of self-control are more likely to engage in criminal activity. This is because they do not have a strong internal moral compass guiding their actions and decisions.
Social theorists claim that a person's actions and emotions are influenced by both internal and external forces. When it comes to law-breaking, individuals with low morals may be more susceptible to these external influences, such as peer pressure or social norms, which can lead them to make poor choices.
Additionally, those with low morals may have a weaker sense of right and wrong, making it easier for them to justify their actions. They may rationalise their behaviour by blaming external factors, such as their upbringing, social status, or economic situation. For example, individuals who are poor, unemployed, or lacking a strong support system may feel they have nothing to lose and therefore be more inclined to break the law.
Travis Hirschi, a social theorist, suggests that lawbreaking often arises from a person's immediate desire for gratification or conflict resolution. This implies that individuals with low morals may be more likely to act on their impulses without considering the long-term consequences or the potential harm caused to others.
Overall, while there are various factors that contribute to why people break the law, low morals play a significant role. It is important to recognise that having low morals does not necessarily mean a person will engage in criminal activity, but it can increase their susceptibility to external influences and their willingness to act on impulses without considering the consequences.
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Lack of social ties
There are many reasons why a person might break the law. One of the most prominent theories is the Social Control Theory, which suggests that a person's actions and feelings of strong emotions are influenced by internal and external forces. People who do not have well-valued morals and lack self-control are more likely to commit a crime.
Additionally, a lack of social ties can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. People who are struggling with their mental health may be more likely to make impulsive decisions or engage in risky behaviours, which can include breaking the law.
It is also important to consider the role of social norms and values in influencing a person's behaviour. When a person feels disconnected from society, they may be less likely to conform to social norms and may develop their own set of values and beliefs, which may or may not align with the law.
Furthermore, a lack of social ties can also impact a person's access to resources and opportunities. Without a strong support system, a person may struggle to find employment, housing, or other essential resources. This can lead to feelings of desperation and a sense of being trapped, which can contribute to a person's decision to break the law.
While a lack of social ties can be a significant factor in why a person might break the law, it is important to recognise that not everyone who lacks social connections will engage in criminal activity. Other factors, such as personal morals, self-control, and access to resources, also play a role in influencing a person's behaviour.
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Ignorance of the law
People who are poor, unemployed, and lack a support system of friends and family are more likely to break the law because they do not have much to lose. They may not be aware of the consequences of their actions or understand the legal system.
Additionally, those who lack morals and self-control are also more prone to criminal behaviour. They may not have the internal motivation to obey the law or the external support to guide them away from illegal activities.
To prevent ignorance of the law, it is important to educate people about the legal system and the potential consequences of their actions. Everyone should have the opportunity to meet with a lawyer or receive legal advice to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. By doing so, we can reduce the number of people who unknowingly break the law and face prosecution.
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Lack of gratification or conflict resolution
Travis Hirschi states that “Lawbreaking is often the most immediate source of gratification or conflict resolution, and no special motivation is required to explain such behaviour”. This suggests that people break the law because they are not getting gratification or conflict resolution in other areas of their life.
People who do not have well-valued morals and lack self-control are more likely to commit a crime. Individuals who are poor, do not have a good job, and/or do not have a close and respectable support system of friends and family, do not have much to lose. Everyone needs to obtain some sort of social tie or bond in their life; otherwise, the person has no boundaries for themselves.
It is also important to note that many people are unaware of the law. This could be due to a lack of access to legal information or a lack of understanding of complex legal language. As a result, people may unintentionally break the law without realising the potential consequences.
Additionally, some people may feel that the law is biased or unfair, leading to a sense of resentment and a lack of trust in the justice system. This can create a sense of alienation and a belief that breaking the law is justified as a form of rebellion or protest.
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Frequently asked questions
Travis Hirschi states that "Lawbreaking is often the most immediate source of gratification or conflict resolution, and no special motivation is required to explain such behaviour". People who do not have well-valued morals and lack self-control are more likely to commit a crime.
Social theorists claim that a person's actions and feelings of strong emotions are influenced by internal and external forces. Individuals who are poor, do not have a good job, and/or do not have a close and respectable support system of friends and family, do not have much to lose.
It is important to be aware of the law and to understand the consequences of breaking it. Everyone needs to obtain some sort of social tie or bond in their life otherwise the person has no boundaries for themselves.
A person who breaks the law gives themselves permission to be prosecuted and their freedom taken away.
