Who developed the type of Control Theory known as Containment Theory?

Containment Theory, which is a significant aspect of Control Theory in criminology, was developed by Walter Reckless. This theory suggests that individuals have a range of internal and external factors that either push them toward deviance or keep them within conventional behaviors. Reckless proposed that people have the potential to engage in criminal behavior, but those who have strong social bonds and self-control are contained from committing such acts. Through this lens, internal pressures (such as personal values) and external pressures (such as family, community, and social institutions) play crucial roles in either encouraging or preventing deviant behavior.

The contribution of Containment Theory lies in its focus on the protective factors that maintain social order and prevent individuals from pursuing criminal acts, highlighting the importance of personal and social controls over one’s behavior. This understanding of containment helps in analyzing how different social structures can influence individual choices and behaviors in the context of crime.