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Containment Theory
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Which of the following best describes Walter Reckless's Containment Theory in the context of social psychology?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

It emphasizes the role of social bonds in preventing deviant behavior.

B

It focuses on the biological factors that lead to delinquency.

C

It suggests that all individuals are inherently deviant.

D

It argues that social structures have no impact on individual behavior.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

Walter Reckless's Containment Theory suggests that people have certain inner and outer controls that help prevent them from engaging in deviant behavior. Inner controls come from a person's values, morals, and self-discipline, while outer controls include societal rules and the influence of family and community. For example, a teenager might choose not to steal because they have been taught that stealing is wrong (inner control) and because they fear getting in trouble with their parents or the law (outer control). According to this theory, when these controls are strong, individuals are less likely to commit crimes or engage in negative behaviors. Therefore, understanding how these controls work can help us see why some people stay on the right path while others do not.

Detailed Explanation

Containment Theory says that strong social bonds help keep people from acting out in bad ways. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that only biology causes bad behavior; This choice implies that everyone is bad at heart.

Key Concepts

Walter Reckless
Social Psychology
Topic

Containment Theory

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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