ABSTRACT
It was observed above that social control theories draw on both social and psychological factors in order to explain conformity and deviance. Probably the earliest sociological control theory was Durkheim’s theory of anomie where it is proposed that inadequate forms of social control are more likely during periods of rapid modernisation and social change because new forms of regulation cannot evolve quickly enough to replace the declining force of social integration. The outcome is anomie – or even the complete collapse of social solidarity – when the insatiable desires and aspirations of individuals can no longer be adequately regulated or controlled by society.
