Control theory focuses on institutions.

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Question presented: 'Control theory focuses on institutions.'

Since there are no answer options provided, I will analyze the statement in its common scholarly contexts and then discuss why it is generally considered incorrect.

First, consider control theory as used in sociology and criminology. In this tradition, control theory is about why individuals conform rather than commit deviance, emphasizing social bonds, attachments, commitments, involvement, and belief. It asks how stronger bonds to family, school, and peers reduce the likelihood of deviant behavior. In this sense, control theory does not center on institutions as the primary focus; rather, it emphasizes the social bonds and informal controls that arise from everyday relationships and community life. Therefore, the statement that control theory focuses on institutions is misleading within this conventional sociological framework.

Second, broaden the view to control theory as an engineering or systems discipline. In engineering, control theory studies how to influence the behavior of dynamical systems using controllers, feedback, and regulation. In organizational settings, this approach can involve institutions (e.g., regulatory bodies, organizational structures, governance mechanisms) as parts of the system being controlled or as the controllers themselves. If one interprets control theory in this engineering sense, it could be said to engage with institutions as components of the system. However, this is a different domain from the sociological/criminological usage of the term and would not typically be described as focusing on 'institutions' in the sense of social institutions.

Third, in organizational or political science contexts, there are theories about 'institutional control'—how institutions shape behavior through rules, norms, and governance. While related to the broader idea of control, such discussions are usually framed as institutional theory or governance/control literatures, not strictly 'control theory' per se in the classic sense.

In summary, if we interpret 'control theory' through its most well-known sociological/criminological meaning, the statement is inaccurate because the core focus is on social bonds and informal controls rather than on institutions. If one instead adopts an engineering interpretation, control theory can involve institutions as part of a system, but that diverges from the traditional sociological usage. Since the question does not provide options, the central takeaway is that the common sociological control theory does not focus on institutions, making the statement generally false in that context.

CJUS-101-01.1255 Chapter 2 Quiz

Control theory focuses on institutions.

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