According to Hirschi and Gottfredson’s social control theory, what assumption of man drives man’s behavior?
The correct answer and explanation is:
According to Hirschi and Gottfredson’s social control theory, the assumption about human nature that drives behavior is that humans are naturally inclined to act in ways that are selfish or impulsive. This theory suggests that individuals, by nature, seek to maximize their pleasure and minimize pain. However, society imposes controls to prevent individuals from acting on these impulses, particularly behaviors that are deviant or criminal.
The central assumption of the theory is that people are not inherently law-abiding or pro-social. Instead, they are motivated by personal gain, and without proper controls, individuals will engage in behaviors that serve their self-interest. These behaviors can include criminal acts, but also other antisocial activities. Hirschi and Gottfredson argue that the strength of a person’s social bonds and their attachment to society’s norms and institutions is what ultimately regulates behavior. The more an individual is connected to family, friends, work, and community, the more likely they are to conform to societal expectations.
According to the theory, this selfish nature drives individuals to avoid punishment or social disapproval. People are more likely to comply with laws and social rules because of the external pressures or sanctions placed upon them, such as the threat of punishment or the desire to maintain their social standing. Hirschi and Gottfredson’s focus is on how weak or broken social bonds lead to criminal behavior, emphasizing the importance of social control in shaping individual choices. In short, the assumption is that human beings are naturally predisposed to act in ways that serve their own interests, but social controls like family, law, and societal norms are necessary to prevent these selfish impulses from leading to harmful or deviant behavior.