ABSTRACT
Travis Hirschi’s classic statement of social control theory focused on how social bonds increase conforming behavior and how the lack of social bonds free the individual to deviate. Social exchange theory has a similar emphasis on the influence of social bonds, but focuses on other aspects as well. Research on “structures of mutual dependence” between actors provides rich data on how power inequities and structures of dependence affect behavior. Recent research in this area (by Edward Lawler, Linda Molm, and others) explores how network structures generate “micro social orders”, with various behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions. Micro social orders are enhanced by participation in highly joint tasks or activities, and with an increased sense of shared responsibility. Structures vary in the degree to which they facilitate interaction, bonding, and the generation of affective sentiments, all of which have ramifications for understanding how social bonds might enhance conforming behavior.
