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Self-control as a general theory of crime

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Conclusion

Low self-control theory will have an impact on criminological theory. G&H's arguments are too forcefully and intelligently made to be ignored. I anticipate that the theory will inspire a great deal of attention and research (and much of it may be in an attempt to prove them wrong). The value of self-control theory would be advanced even more, however, if G&H would grapple with the tautology problem, attend to theoretical linkages with prior control theory, and ease off a bit from the oppositional strategy in comparing their theory with other theories.

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Akers, R.L. Self-control as a general theory of crime. J Quant Criminol 7, 201–211 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01268629

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