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Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the case of Unabomber through the lens of general strain theory as well as social control theory. Both theoretical frameworks are highly useful in explaining the underlying motives and causes of Ted Kaczynski’s terrorist acts. The assessment will elaborate on the proposed concept first, after which their application and prevention will be demonstrated. It is important to note that Ted Kaczynski’s criminal behavior was mainly the result of poor socialization shown in his primitive lifestyle.
Social Control Theory
The social control theory works by proclaiming that social structures and socialization are the main preventers of criminal behavior. It states, “the more weakened the groups to which the individual belongs … more he consequently depends only on himself and recognizes no other rules of conduct than what is founded on his private interests” (Costello & Laub, 2020, p. 24). In other words, being in a strong and cohesive social group promotes conformity to the accepted rules of behavior. Therefore, the underlying prediction is that “involvement in conventional activities like school, sports, or an after-school job reduces the time available for delinquent acts” (Costello & Laub, 2020, p. 25). The social control theory emphasizes that a person must be engaged in many social institutions and circles. The latter makes an individual more dependent on the reactions of others to his or her behavior. Being detached or even isolated from society puts a person in a position that lacks an effective feedback loop. The rules and laws will have an insignificant impact on such an individual, making him or her prone to engage in delinquency.
The theory of social control was developed by many criminologists and sociologists. The most prominent theorists include Thomas Hobbes, Travis Hirschi, Albert J. Reiss, Jackson Toby, F. Ivan Nye, Walter Reckless, and David Matza (Costello & Laub, 2020). The basic principles are based on three sources of social control such as direct, indirect, and internal (Costello & Laub, 2020). The former refers to punishment and reward for behaviors, whereas indirect control is about the perceived impact of an act on others, such as parents’ disappointment. The third locus of control is internal, which is based on the superego or conscience (Costello & Laub, 2020). For instance, a specific theory would be the direct social control theory. The key difference of the selected theory is that it focuses on society and social dynamics before other factors, such as strains. The theoretical framework initially originated in Thomas Hobbes’s works in 1651 but was actively developed in the last century (Costello & Laub, 2020). I think the theory works well at explaining crimes as well as other non-conformist behaviors.
One of the strongest points can be found when it comes to addressing the impact of social institutions. It is stated that religion can be a powerful source for making people less reluctant to be delinquent (Miller & Vuolo, 2018). Another strength of the framework can be found in regard to adolescent criminal behaviors. A study suggests that “juveniles entering treatment with social estrangement were significantly more likely to relapse, be incarcerated, and commit a violent crime in the 12-months post-treatment” (Johnson et al., 2018, p. 529). In other words, the social control theory highlights the critical importance of integrating the young from a young age. However, the theory is not perfect at providing explanations for all crimes. One such example is COVID-19 lockdowns, where “criminal offenses have significantly decreased during the initial lockdown, but as expected, increased once social restrictions were relaxed” (Andresen & Hodgkinson, (2020). Therefore, social isolation, in some cases, can lead to a reduction in crime rates.
Application
The Unabomber was among the most famous and unique cases in domestic terrorism’s history. Theodore Kaczynski lived a secluded and primitive life in the mountains of Montana. Due to urbanization and industrialization, his lifestyle was affected by various factors, which made him vengeful and hateful towards industrial forces. His first homemade bomb exploded at Chicago university in 1978 (FBI, 2022). It is stated that “over the next 17 years, he mailed or hand-delivered a series of increasingly sophisticated bombs that killed three Americans and injured nearly two dozen more” (FBI, 2022, para. 3). In 1995, The Unabomber sent a large essay to explain his motives, which was published in The Washington Post. David Kaczynski, Ted’s brother, identified the latter’s writing, and on April 3, 1996, Ted was arrested (FBI, 2022). In accordance with the social control theory, Ted was fully isolated from all social institutions since he had no family, friends, religion, occupation, or other social interests. Therefore, there were no forces to impose conformity and feedback on his behavior. Thus, industrial forces and the destruction of the nearby forest led to hostility and delinquent behavior with no regard for laws and legal proceedings.
Prevention
The social control theory suggests that in order to prevent crime, all people must be socialized through various institutions. People need to be put in social groups, circles, and organizations from an early age. One such institution is school and the entire educational process. The known criminals should be given away to reenter society, where they will not be as isolated as they used to be before. The main problem with the current system is the fact that criminals who served their time cannot find employment and become integrated into society properly. The isolation makes them prone to commit delinquent acts, once again making criminality an escapable vicious circle. Adolescent crimes should be prevented by ensuring that every teenager has a group or several groups which they are part of with no in-group isolation. In addition, people should be socially engaged in a multitude of social institutions and groups to ensure that if one fails, others will still be effective. For example, a married person might get a divorce, and if it is the only social institution in which he or she engaged, then such a person becomes vulnerable and likely to become a criminal.
The formation of social control occurs in the process of the development of forms and methods of influence used by social groups to regulate the behavior of their members. It is aimed primarily at those individuals whose behavior deviates positively or negatively from group norms. A group or collective, in the course of its functioning, develops a number of measures of influence on its members, methods of persuasion and suggestion, encouragement and punishment, inducement and coercion. Forms of social control are implemented as prohibitions and punishments, as well as prescriptions, recommendations, and incentives. Thanks to social control, interpersonal relationships are streamlined, and the group is able to function with great success. The conceptualization of social control in sociology occurs in the process of considering it as a social mechanism in various practices. It is important to note that the mechanism of social control operates in the context of solidarity and order in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the social control theory explains why Ted Kaczynski’s criminal behavior was mainly the result of poor socialization, illustrated by his primitive lifestyle. The main driver of proper behavior is conformity and feedback received from social forces. There are three types of social influences which include direct, indirect, and internal. They usually operate in conjunction with each other and manifest on many different levels. Ted Kaczynski was living a secluded and primitive life, which meant that he was not involved in any social group or institution. Therefore, there was no pressure of conformity or social feedback which would make him question his behavior. The destruction of his forest by industrial forces made Ted hostile to industrialization and a modern civilized environment.
Subsequently, he committed a series of acts of terrorism and violence toward Americans and was not caught for several decades. Despite the fact that the socialization of a person is considered an individual process, it always proceeds under the observation of society and the people close to the individual. They not only educate the individual but also control the correctness of the learned patterns of behavior. If control is exercised by a whole group, such as a family, a group of friends, an institution, or a social institution, then it acquires a social character and is called social control.
References
Andresen, M. A., & Hodgkinson, T. (2020). Somehow I always end up alone: COVID-19, social isolation and crime in Queensland, Australia. Crime Science, 9(25), 1-20.
Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2020). Social control theory: The legacy of Travis Hirschi’s causes of delinquency.Annual Review of Criminology, 3(1), 21–41.
FBI. (2022). The Unabomber.
Johnson, B. R., Pagano, M. E., Lee, M. T., & Post, S. G. (2018). Alone on the inside: The impact of social isolation and helping others on AOD use and criminal activity.Youth & Society, 50(4), 529–550.
Miller, T., & Vuolo, M. (2018). Examining the Antiascetic hypothesis through social control theory: Delinquency, religion, and reciprocation across the early life course.Crime & Delinquency, 64(11), 1458–1488.
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