What is the relationship between bonding theory and conventional norms?

Bonding theory emphasizes the importance of social bonds and relationships as crucial factors in inhibiting deviant behavior. According to this theory, strong attachments to family, friends, and community promote a sense of belonging and commitment to conventional norms. When individuals feel a strong connection to these social groups, they are more likely to adhere to the established norms and values of society. This commitment to conventional norms plays a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal or deviant activities, as the stakes of breaking those bonds outweigh the potential benefits of such behavior.

This perspective highlights how social integration strengthens an individual's ties to the accepted standards and rules of society, fostering pro-social behavior and reducing tendencies toward crime.