Walter Reckless

Walter Reckless was a sociologist known for developing the containment theory, which explains why some individuals commit crimes while others do not. He believed that people's behavior is influenced by both external social factors and internal self-control. According to his theory, individuals are naturally inclined toward potentially breaking rules, but if they have strong internal controls (like a sense of morality) and external controls (like family and community expectations), they are more likely to resist criminal impulses. Conversely, weak internal and external controls increase the likelihood of criminal behavior. His work helps explain why crime varies among different social contexts and individuals.