A Criminological Re-reading of Self-Control Theory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

2 Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, Kashan University, Iran

10.22099/jls.2025.51527.5235

Abstract

The concept of self-control, which was simplistically used in Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime, has been widely criticized for its failure to address its complex and extensive dimensions. This paper, using a library-based method and a descriptive-analytical approach, attempts to unravel the complexities of this concept for use in criminological studies by examining self-control from psychological, psychotherapeutic, educational, and ethical perspectives, alongside criticisms leveled against Gottfredson and Hirschi's self-control theory. In this way, facets of the structure and nature of self-control were discovered that will cover many gaps in self-control theory, such as the immutability of self-control after childhood, the tautological nature of this theory, the weaknesses of the proposed solution for creating self-control, and the preventive extent of self-control against crime in different societies. Furthermore, by adding the element of "thinking" to Gottfredson and Hirschi's proposed solution, while addressing existing shortcomings, the evolution of self-control can be achieved, resulting in an increased effectiveness of this phenomenon in crime prevention.

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Journal of Legal Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 September 2025

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