Columbine Massacre: Social Control and Differential Association Theories

Introduction

Nowadays, the matter of personal safety is frequently discussed due to frequent shooting incidents that result in the deaths of innocent people. While some massacres go almost unnoticed, receiving little attention, some incidents become forever ingrained into history, displaying atrocities that humans are capable of committing. One such example is the Columbine High School Massacre.

At Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999, Eric Davis Harris and Dylan Bennet Klebold murdered 12 students and one educator before taking their own lives (FBI, n.d.). The incident spurred national discussions on school security (FBI, n.d.). With the help of social control theory, one can interpret the actions of Klebold and Harris, who were possibly influenced by strained social bonds, a lack of effective parental control, and a subculture that glorified violence and revenge.

The Social Control Theory

Prior to discussing how the theory helps explain the behavior of shooters, it is vital to consider the nuances of the framework. According to Travis Hirschi and his 1969 social control theory, humans and animals have similarities in that people can be friendly and cooperative at certain times, but they can also fight and steal (Hassan & Lett, 2023). Since aggression and impulsivity are just aspects of who humans are, there is no need to explain them (Hassan & Lett, 2023). Since this kind of behavior is the simplest to satiate people’s desires, it begs the question of why people do not act in this manner more frequently (Hassan & Lett, 2023).

The social control theory suggests that human social connections govern and control this behavior (Hassan & Lett, 2023). Deviant behavior, including criminal activity, arises “when an individual’s bond to society is weak or broken” (Hassan & Lett, 2023, p.226). Therefore, it is evident that human behavior is impacted by social connections directly.

Application of the Main Theory to the Case

Firstly, when discussing the actions of perpetrators, it is noteworthy that both adolescents had strained bonds with their peers. As seen from recollections of the local residents in Littleton, where the massacre took place, two young men were subjected to social exclusion (Cahill, 2020). As a result of such attitudes, Harris and Klebold could have fostered a sense of resentment and hostility, further weakening their attachment to society.

Secondly, the lack of effective parental control is another significant factor. Researchers in psychology determined that Harris was diagnosed with psychopathy and that Klebold had severe depression disorder after looking into the numerous warning indicators as well as the behavior of both individuals (Cahill, 2020). It was also hypothesized by mental health professionals that Klebold displayed symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder (Cahill, 2020). The fact that Klebold and Harris were diagnosed only after the incident indicates a lack of understanding at the time regarding mental health issues, as well as a failure to pay close attention to the signs of trouble that their behavior displayed (Cahill, 2020).

Finally, a subculture that glorified violence and revenge was a crucial driver of Harris and Klebold’s behavior. After the massacre, diaries and notes describing massacre tendencies were revealed (Cahill, 2020). Thus, there were a number of factors that contributed to young men’s detachment from society.

Social control theory provides valuable insights into the motivations behind the Columbine massacre, showing the importance of social bonds and connections with society. At the same time, despite this strength, the theory demonstrates certain limitations. For example, while the framework emphasizes the interplay of individual and environmental factors, it does not consider the influence of mental health issues (Costello & Laub, 2020). As was stated earlier, both adolescents struggled with their mental well-being, which could contribute to their suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Additionally, the theory fails to consider the specific targeting of victims (Costello & Laub, 2020). Klebold and Harris did not target only those who wronged them. In this case, a more nuanced interpretation of such motivations is required.

Application of the Alternative Theory

To address the mentioned limitations, another theory may provide a more comprehensive explanation. Aside from social control theory, differential association theory can be incorporated for a better understanding of criminals’ behaviors. According to Sutherland’s differential association theory, having close connections with offenders is the main factor that leads to criminal behavior (Boman et al., 2019). Sutherland believed that, like all behaviors, deviant behavior was acquired through socialization in close-knit social groups, mainly friendships (Boman et al., 2019). Differential association holds that friends can teach individuals the intentions, principles, methods, and positive definitions of deviant behavior (Boman et al., 2019). This combined approach would consider how the perpetrators’ interactions with like-minded individuals contributed to their decision to engage in extreme acts of violence.

Conclusion

In summary, social control theory can be used to explain the actions of Klebold and Harris, who may have been influenced by a culture that praised brutality and retaliation, weak social bonds, and ineffective parental supervision. According to the social control theory, this behavior is governed and controlled by human social connections.

First, it is important to note that both teenagers had tense relationships with their peers when talking about the perpetrators’ actions. Second, another important factor is the absence of effective parental control. Ultimately, a major factor influencing Harris and Klebold’s actions was a subculture that exalted retaliation and violence. To gain additional insight into the actions of criminals, differential association theory can be applied in addition to social control theory.

References

Boman, J. H., Agnich, L., Miller, B. L., Stogner, J. M., & Mowen, T. J. (2019). The “other side of the fence”: A learning- and control-based investigation of the relationship between deviance and friendship quality. Deviant Behavior, 40(12), 1553–1573. Web.

Cahill, E. (2020). Klebold & Harris: Warning signs. Bowdoin College. Web.

Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2020). Social control theory: The legacy of Travis Hirschi’s causes of delinquency. Annual Review of Criminology, 3, 21-41. Web.

FBI. (n.d.). Columbine High School. Web.

Hassan, S., & Lett, D. (2023). Introduction to criminology. Kwantlen Polytechnic University.