Travis Hirschi

Travis Hirschi was a criminologist best known for his social control theory. He proposed that people's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior depends on the strength of their bonds to society—such as attachment to family, commitment to school or work, involvement in activities, and belief in social norms. When these bonds are strong, individuals are less likely to commit crimes; when weak or broken, the risk increases. His work highlights the importance of social relationships and community in shaping behavior and preventing crime.