A theory developed by Walter C. Reckless at Ohio State University, first published in 1956, holding that delinquency is prevented by containment: inner controls such as a strong self-concept and frustration tolerance, and outer controls such as family and school supervision and group cohesion, that insulate individuals from criminogenic pressures even in high-crime environments.
Facts
Core ClaimSourced to the subject's own accountInner psychological controls and outer social controls together insulate an individual from criminogenic pressures, so a person with strong containment resists delinquency even where opportunity and social strain are present. 1 Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account Standing CritiqueCritics regard containment theory as an extension of earlier control theories rather than a wholly original contribution: Don Gibbons and Marvin Krohn described it as consisting of old wine in a new bottle. Others note it lacks clearly testable statements, since Reckless never specified which of its inner and outer elements would predominate in a given case. 2 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Containment theory and Hirschi's social control theory both explain conformity through the strength of controlling bonds rather than through strain or learning.
Developed By
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Walter Reckless
Biography sectionQuote, Biography section
Reckless' theory posits that social control, which constrains deviance, delinquency, and crime, included 'inner' (i.e., strong conscience or a 'good self-concept') and 'outer' forces of containment (i.e., supervision and discipline by parents and the school, strong group cohesion, and a consistent moral front).
2. SAGE Encyclopedia of Criminological Theory: Containment Theory
SAGE Publicationsp. 781 (Conclusion)Quote, p. 781 (Conclusion)
Don Gibbons and Marvin Krohn assert that containment theory consists of "old wine in a new bottle" (1991, p. 107).
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